Now that I’ve been here for a year, I kind of have a grasp on what some of the big celebrations Thailand has and I’ve heard of some smaller, local festivals. So much Thai culture is steeped throughout the year and released all at once in these annual festivals, from celebrations of victorious battles to honoring spirits and ghosts, from taking pride in local ruins and historical sites to making merit and honoring the water spirits, there is likely a celebration of some kind just around the corner. Here are the ones that I am most looking forward to going to this year.
Phi Ta Khon Festival, Loei, End of June?
Last year, this festival happened while I was at a mandatory conference. One of my friends in the 124 group went, though, and raved about it. In an otherwise sleepy district in Loei, there is a three-day festival that celebrates the local ghosts and spirits. People don ghost masks and carry around wooden phalluses and, like most Thai gatherings, imbibe whiskey. But these aren’t your Scream ghost-man masks. No, these ghost masks are colorful and carved out of wood. Check ’em out:
The dates of this festival are divined by a local medium, just barely in advance of the festival. All information I have read says that it always takes place sometime between March and July, and I’m pretty sure this year it will be at the end of June, but I’m double checking that information.
Bun Bang Fai Festival, Yasothon, 6-12 May 2014
The rocket festival is one that happens all over the Northeast of Thailand, also known as Isaan. Just before the beginning of the rainy season, communities launch rockets as an offering to the rain gods, as many say. It’s possible that the launching of the rockets is also tied to a Buddhist story, in which the Buddha’s sermon drew the people away from the Sky God, who then withheld rain from the earth for seven years seven months and seven days. After a battle lead and won by the Toad King, rockets were launched by the Naga (snake-like dragons) to remind the Sky King of the treaty he agreed to. The three-day festival culminates in the launching of various homemade rockets, with prizes going to the the rockets that fly the highest, or farthest, or other -ests.
Candle Festival, Ubon Ratchathani, 11-21 July 2014
In most provinces, the beginning of Buddhist Lent is marked only by a trip to the temple to make merit by making donations for the monks, as they are supposed to stay at the wat for the duration of Lent. But in Ubon, these donations are especially elaborate, specifically spectacular candles, that ostensibly were once meant to keep the temples well lit and less gloomy through the rainy season, though now they are not burned. The candles are paraded through town and one evening there is a candle lighting procession at local wats.
Songkran, Chiang Mai, 12-15 April 2014
Songkran is celebrated all over Thailand, and the region of Southeast Asia. It starts out as a show of respect for the elders in the community, by washing away bad deeds from the previous year, but then soon devolves into an all out water fight. And why not!? It’s the dead middle of the hot season, and everyone is looking for a way to relieve their stress and cool off. Bangkok and Chiang Mai are well known for their celebrations and this year I’m planning on heading north with some friends to enjoy Songkran the tourist way.
Monkey Festival, Lopburi, Last Sunday of November
Lopburi is known for the monkeys and macaques that have taken over the ruins (and town!) there. They are sneaky little buggers, knowing that food is often hidden in bags and will shamelessly go after them. Once a year, though, the monkeys get a feast of epic proportions. It almost coincides with the U.S.’s Thanksgiving, so think of it very much as a thanksgiving for the monkeys. One deity that has heavy plan in Thailand is Hanuman, a Hindu monkey god, and I’ve read that the monkey festival is tied to an honoring of him.