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FESTIVALS IN THAILAND
(Calendar 2002 / 2003)

(text copyright © Siam Sun Tours, Chiang Mai)


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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)


Information about north Thailand:

Thailand online: North Thailand

Information about Ko Samui (South Thailand):

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Information about the hilltribes (North Thailand):

Thailand online: Hilltribes


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