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FESTIVALS IN THAILAND
(text copyright © Siam Sun Tours, Chiang Mai)
(Calendar 2002 / 2003)
August, 2002
RAMBUTAN FAIR, SURAT THANI
The first rambutan tree was planted in Surat Thani in 1926. The home of the
rambutan is celebrated with exhibitions of local produce and ornamental plants,
rambutan and fruit floats, and demonstration of trained monkeys harvesting coconuts.
August 12, 2002
H.M. THE QUEEN`S BIRTHDAY, NATIONWIDE
Throughout the country buildings are bedecked in lights to honor H.M. Queen
Sirikit on her birthday. The most spectacular lights can be found in Bangkok
itself, along Ratchadamnoen Avenue and around the Grand Palace.
September 7-8, 2002
BOAT RACES, PHICHIT
Amidst green valleys and wooded hills, this annual regatta speeds down the Nan
River on low-slung wooden boats raced with a gusto rivaled only by the cheering
of spectators.
October 5-14, 2002
VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL, PHUKET
Celebrated since the 19th century by residents of Chinese ancestry, a rigorous
10- day vegetarian diet, rituals at Chinese temples, parades and spiritual feats
performed by ascetics are the highlights of this exciting festival.
October 18-21, 2002
WAX CASTLE & BOAT RACING FESTIVAL, SAKHON NAKHON
A parade of exquisite beeswax carvings of miniature Buddhist temples and shrines
accrue merit for North easterners as they celebrate the end of the annual Buddhist
Rains Retreat. After the presentation of carvings at local temples comes the
fast-paced annual regatta.
October, 2002
BUFFALO RACES, CHONBURI
The water buffalo drops its customary plough and enters light-hearted races
against fellow beast and local farmers. Beauty contest add to the fun as cheerful
crowds gather from local seaside resorts.
October, 2002
NAKHON PHANOM BOAT PROCESSION
The mighty Mekong River plays host to the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat
by setting intricately carved boats bearing lit candles adrift on the river.
Local entertainment accompanies this picturesque night-time ritual.
October 23, 2002
CHULALONGKORN DAY
November 2-3, 2002
NAN TRADITIONAL BOAT RACES
November 16-17, 2002
ELEPHANT ROUND-UP SHOW, SURIN
This annual performance by over 100 trained elephants attracts crowds from around
the world. Simulated wild elephant taming, tugs of war, log-pulling demonstrations
and a parade of elephants in medieval warfare kit are the highlights of this
festival.
November, 2002
CHIANG RAI HILL TRIBE FESTIVAL
November 23 - December 05, 2002
RIVER KWAI BRIDGE WEEK, KANCHANABURI
To commemorate the historical events of the Bridge over the River Kwai, a light
and sound show, archaeological and historical exhibitions and rides on vintage
trains are part of the week-long series of events.
November 18-19, 2002
LOI KRATHONG
& CANDLE FESTIVAL, NATIONWIDE
This memorable festival originated in Sukhothai, Thailand`s first capital. People
all over the country set extravagant banana-leaf craft afloat on rivers and
lakes. Specially celebrated in Sukhothai to the tune of fireworks, folk dancing
and light & sound show as well in Chiang Mai with various parades.
December, 2002
TROOPING OF THE COLORS, BANGKOK
Held in the Royal Plaza the trooping of the colors is a regal affair presided
over by H.M. the King and Queen. Dressed in full colors, members of the elite
Royal Guards swear anew their allegiance to the King and march before the Royal
family.
December 5, 2002
H.M. THE KING`S BIRTHDAY, NATIONWIDE
The deep reverence felt by the Thai people for their King is perhaps unique.
His birthday gives the public a chance to express their gratitude. Buildings
throughout the country are adorned with lights and decorations, the most spectacular
around the Grand Palace.
December 10, 2002
CONSTITUTION DAY
December 13-19, 2002
WORLD HERITAGE SITE CELEBRATION, AYUTTHAYA
The ancient Siamese capital of Ayutthaya was designated a World Heritage Site
by UNESCO in 1991. The city celebrates its glorious past with historical exhibitions,
traditional cultural processions and performances, and light & sound shows
amidst the city ruins.
December 31, 2002]
NEW YEAR'S EVE
January 1, 2003
NEW YEAR'S DAY
January 2003
UMBRELLA FESTIVAL BOSANG, CHIANG MAI
This lively event celebrates the bright colors and intricate designs of Bosangs`s
renowned handmade umbrellas. The fair features contests, exhibitions, stalls
selling handicrafts and a beauty contest.
February 4-7, 2003
CHINESE NEW YEAR
February 2003 (exact date will follow)
DRAGON AND LION PARADE, NAKHON SAWAN
Witness lions, dragons and ancient deities parade alongside marching bands as
the Chinese community of this provincial capital honor their ancestral Golden
Dragon deity for his benevolence.
February 7 - February 9, 2003
FLOWER FESTIVAL, CHIANG MAI
Peruse a startling array of tropical flora as floral floats, flower displays
and beauty contests celebrate the vast variety of flowering plants that grow
in Thailand`s temperate northern hills.
February 2003 (exact date will follow)
KING NARAI REIGN FAIR
In honor of King Narai the Great of Ayutthaya and his promotion of relations
with European powers during the 1600s, his palace is the center of a local fair
featuring homage ceremonies, processions, light & sound shows, folk entertainment
and bazaars.
March-April 2003
POI SANG LONG, MAE HONG SORN
Gain insight into tribal rituals, as the Thai Yai (Shan) tribal group celebrate
the ordination of novices. Set in one of Thailand`s most scenic areas, the procession
of monks and offerings through the town is unrivalled in beauty.
April 6, 2003
CHAKRI DAY
April 11 - 15, 2003
NATIONWIDE SONGKRAN FESTIVAL
For water, fun and
excitement, nothing beats the Thai New Year. Chiang Mai offers the most
enthusiastic celebrations. Parades, beauty contests and merit- making ceremonies
at local temples.
April, 2003 (exact date will follow)
PATTAYA FESTIVAL
Fireworks, food and floral floats, beauty
contests and stalls selling local delicacies fill the streets of Thailand`s
world-famous seaside resort.
May 1, 2003
LABOUR DAY
May 5, 2003
CORONATION DAY
May 2003 (exact date will follow)
ROCKET FESTIVAL, YASOTON
Rockets, high-spirited
revelry, folk dancing, theatre and beauty parades accompany this lively
festival. Rockets of all sizes and shapes are launched to ensure plentiful rains
for the rice-planting season
May 2003 (exact date will follow)
ROYAL PLOUGHING CEREMONY, BANGKOK
The official beginning
of the rice-planting season is held at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace,
where an ancient Brahmin ritual is re-enacted with various rites to forecast the
abundance of the next rice crop.
May 2003 (exact date will follow)
VISAKHA PUJA, NATIONWIDE
The holiest of all Buddhist
religious days marks the birth, enlightenment and death of the Lord Buddha. It
is honored in temples throughout the land with beautiful candlelit processions.
June, 2003 (exact date will follow)
PHI TA KHON FESTIVAL, LOEI
Prince Vessandorn`s (the Buddha`s
penultimate incarnation) welcome home procession was grand enough to inspire the
spirits to join the celebrations. Men dressed as spirits parade a Buddha image
and tease villagers and visitors while monks recite this ancient Buddhist tale.
July 2003 (exact date will follow)
CANDLE FESTIVAL, UBON RATCHATHANI
During the rainy
seasons monks enter the Buddhist Rains Retreat. In Ubon this is celebrated with
a display of artistic skill and piety as intricately carved beeswax candles up
to several meters tall ara paraded to the local temples.
July 2003 (exact date will follow)
KHAO PHANSA (Buddhist Lent)
Above festivals are just some of many! Many more festivals are held in all different provinces. You can check also with the web site of TAT (Tourist Authority of Thailand)
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