If you don't want a soaking, stay at home during Songkran festivalsThere's something about Thailand and about Chiang Mai in particular that's very appealing. My friends and I discuss this ad nauseam and we still can't put our fingers on exactly what it is about this magical place that's so attractive. Maybe it's something to do with the number and intensity of the many Thai festivals and celebrations that take place here throughout each year. The first is the Chinese New Year, celebrated on February 14th in 2010. This is the biggest festival in Asia and is celebrated by Chinese communities throughout the world. It's traditionally a time for family, friends and loved ones to see one another, exchange gifts and share a big, extravagant meal. Family members gather from all over the world for this celebration, particularly here, in the mountain town of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Festivities include a public parade with colourful lion and dragon dances, family parties and an elaborate fireworks display. The Chinese New Year also celebrates the imminent arrival of spring. This is the time for new starts so it is traditional to settle old debts and set children off to a good start to the year with gifts of money given in small red envelopes. Songkran festival is probably the most famous occasion (Thai new year), which is celebrated officially between April 12th-14th, but which in fact lasts for about a week.
This is the Thai version of the New Year, the beginning of Spring and the Rainy Season and is celebrated most famously by the throwing of water over all and sundry. Gangs of young (and older) people wander the streets, or drive around in pick-ups spraying water over everyone they meet. Chiang Mai is known for this event particularly and if you venture into the moat area during this period you'll be at the centre of the fun!
The origins of Loy Krathong can be traced to the idea of water spirits and the floating away of all wrongdoings and uncontrollable calamities that befell people of the north and north eastern parts of Thailand. This is understandable however, because the North of Thailand is a major rice-growing area, and here superstitions have survived more strongly than in other parts of Thailand.
On this day you will see thousands of lanterns with fireworks attached, released into the sky as a fabulous added spectacle. Loy Kratong Festival - more information.At the last Loy Kratong festival thirty of my friends and I decided to take a trip down the River Ping, which flows through the centre of Chiang Mai. We ordered dinner on board and looked forward to watching the firework displays and celebrations taking place on the banks of the river. Little did we realise that our boat and others on the river, would be targets for the merrymakers on the banks. We were assailed with rockets and other explosives from both banks, to the extent that some of my friends were seriously counting the number of lifejackets on board (about eight if I remember) and one of our party was actually hit by a rocket. Much of the meal was eaten from underneath the tables. Luckily, plenty of beer was available and after about half an hour our perception of danger was reduced considerably. No real damage was done however, and we all disembarked safely, although some of us seemed to have developed sea legs whilst afloat. This is part of the charm of Chiang Mai, folks. Can you imagine this happening in England? |
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The festival
takes place on November 21st 2010 and also features fireworks, beauty
competitions and a multitude of parades. 
