Chinese New Year, a time of firecrackers, lion dancers
parading through the streets and time to ‘spring-clean’ the house,
it is celebrated in February by all Chinese-Thais. Lanterns line
the streets and the smell of incense wafts through the air. Dragon
parades weave down roads and children gad about everywhere.
The most frenetic festival in the country is that of Songkran,
the Luna New Year. Held from the 13th to 15th April each year…it’s
a wet one! Traditionally it was celebrated by Buddha images being
bathed with water and the showing of respect to monks and elders.
From the sprinkling of water onto someone’s hands as a sign of
respect it has evolved into mass drenching for anyone who decides
to venture outdoors. This has to be one of the friendliest, though
wet, festivals anywhere and a great way to make new friends. TIP:
Travelers be warned, don’t leave cameras, computers or cell phones,
unprotected…nothing is spared if you happen to get a dousing.
On the 15th May, Thais celebrate Buddha’s birthday. Local
Wats (Buddhist Temples) celebrate by holding candlelit processions.
A tourist may take part in these parades and it can prove great
fun. TIP: Lady visitors please note; a monk may not touch a woman
so please show respect and keep your distance.
The Setting Adrift of the Chao Le Boats takes place on
Ko Lanta during the full moon night of the sixth and eleventh
lunar months. This is a religious rite performed by Sea Gypsies
or "Chao Le" who gather on the beach near Ban Saladan
Village. They dance their famous "rong ngeng" round
the boats to be set adrift. Ceremonies feature singing and dancing.
The reason for the fest is to bring prosperity and happiness to
the participants.
July sees Thai Buddhists celebrating Buddhist ‘lent’ or Asanha
Puja, the full moon festival. Beginning mid to late in the
month, this is the period when young men enter their monk hood
for the rainy season and ordained monks remain in a single monastery
for three months. One can view Buddhist temples throughout the
year, but this tradition can be picturesque due to the activity
of the saffron robed followers.
It’s the Queen’s Birthday on August 12th and also Thailand’
s ‘mother’s day’. As with all royal anniversaries this celebration
guarantees a firework display.
One of the most beautiful and moving sights are the festivities
relating to the annual festival of Loi Krathon held in
November. This is when you cast away your troubles and call in
the hopes of the future. As the moon rises in the evening a small
lotus-shaped raft of banana leaves filled with flowers, a candle,
a snip of your nail, a piece of your hair and a few coins, is
set afloat in the ocean or down a waterway conjuring up good luck
for the forthcoming year. In some areas large paper hot-air balloons
are also released.
Andaman Sea Festival This Festival takes place in November
and celebrates the opening of the tourist season in Krabi. Water
sport competitions, cultural shows, and good-natured fun are the
schedule.
December 5 is the King’s Birthday. The King is much revered
throughout Thailand, something that is probably unique in the
world today. His birthday is celebrated by all Thais and government
buildings, private homes, businesses and the palace are all illuminated
specially for the occasion. In some areas such as Phuket, they
hold a regatta in his honor.
