Festivals in Chiang Mai - Celebrations of the Creative City
Festivals in Chiang Mai
Here is the list of 8 Festivals in Chiang Mai - Celebrations of the Creative City
1. Songkran – Thai New Year and Water Festival
Celebrated throughout Thailand, Songkran Festival finds its abode for participation preferably in Chiang Mai. Water fights are a common sight during the Songkran Festival, with passers-by bound to be drenched by water guns and even water containers. Songkran is an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai.
Date: 13th April to 15th April 2020
2. Loi Krathong Festival - Thai Festival of Lights
The Thai festival of lights, Loi Krathong, is one of the most famous celebrations in Chiang Mai witnessing multitudes. One spectacular sight during the Loi Krathong is the release of numerous lanterns resembling stars into the deep blue skies. With candles released into rivers, fireworks all around, and lights in the air, The Loi Krathong is definite to carve out a special place in your lifetime of memories!
Date: 1st November 2020
Venue: Sukhothai, Chai Mai and Bangkok
3. Flower Festival - Celebrating Chiang Mai's Blooming Flora
Widely cherished blooming flowers are celebrated at the Chiang Mai Flower Festival. The festival hosts extravagant parades, workshops and exhibitions. Buak Had Public Park organises an array of contests and displays during the Flower Festival. The Flower festival is the best way to experience Thailand’s natural beauty.
Date: 7th to 9th February 2020
Venue: Parade - Begins at Nawarat Bridge
4. Poy Sang Long Festival - The Journey Into Monkhood
Poy Sang Long is a Thai festival and a ritual for young boys who wish to take up Monasticism as well. One of the biggest celebrations in several temples across Northern Thailand, Poy Sang Long, is a ritual of dedication. Dedicated boys ought to age between seven and fourteen years at the time of the custom. Further on, these boys indulge in Buddhist teachings where, they incorporate self-discipline, a monkhood essential.
Date: 19th March to 15th April 2020
Venue: Wat Pa Pao
5. Umbrella Festival - When The Town Turns Into Colour
One of the unpopular celebrations of Thailand, the Umbrella Festival is hosts arrays of umbrellas and colours, embellishing the Bo Sang Village as a spectacular and picture-worthy one. The Umbrella Festival also houses parades, music, and purchases of skillfully handcrafted fans, lanterns, and umbrellas.
Date: 17 - 19 January 2020
Venue: Bo Sang Village
6. Visakha Bucha Day - The Cornerstone of Buddhism
Visakha Bucha Day is a special celebration of the birth, enlightenment and death day of the Buddha. On this day, multitudes walk the Wat Phra Tha Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai’s highest and most famous temple. Visakha Bucha Day also includes exciting and interactive music and food gatherings.
Date: 7th May 2020
Venue: Wat Phra Tha Doi Suthep
7. Rocket Festival - Prayers for the Rains
The Rocket Festival is a feast dedicated to praying for the rains. Bamboo and gun powder-based handmade rockets are released during the day. Competitions are also held during the festival with prizes for the rocket that flies the highest. Betting, gambling and liquor is a common sight during the Rocket Festival.
Date: 8th May to 10th May 2020
Venue: Bun Bang Fai
8. Pu Sae Ya Sae Festival - Acquiring the Giant
The Pu Sae Ya Sae Festival is a unique and astonishing festival celebrated not by many in the city. On this festival, the buffalo’s raw flesh is eaten by locals in the name of possessing the Giant's spirit on the full moon day of the seventh lunar month.
Date: 14th June 2020
Venue: Chiang Mai
These aforementioned festivals are the ones you should definitely consider indulging in during your trip to Bangkok, Thailand. Festivals are at the very core of Thailand, and all of them are celebrated with much enthusiasm and at a great scale. So, don’t miss out on them, when you have a real chance to take part in them!