The Thai calendar is absolutely full of different holidays and festivals. Be them religious, in observance of an event, or simply to get together and have fun, they are sure to be a great time and definitely worth checking out! As a volunteer in Thailand, you’re bound to be able to participate in one or many while you’re here. Below are just a few that you just shouldn’t miss!
Songkran Festival – A Giant Water Fight in the Streets (April 13-15)
Need I say more? Depending on where you are in the country, this festival can last longer than a week if you’re in Chiang Mai, but is typically 2-3 days. Shops shut down, streets are cleared, water guns are sold everywhere and it’s game on! Songkran is the celebration of the Thai New Year, with the festivities originally adapted from the Indian Festival of Makar Sankriti. The streets are lined with people playing music, dancing and finding their next target to drench and often times, paint their face. The powdery paste is said to ward off bad luck and protect you for the upcoming year. Aside from the party, the water behind this festival is symbolic of washing away the past and starting fresh – including Buddha statues and figurines to bring prosperity. Plan ahead these couple of days as you will get wet!
Loy Krathong – A Festival of Lights (evening of the full moon of the 12th month of Thai lunar calendar, typically in November)
By far one of the most beautiful festivals of Thailand, this holiday also revolves around water and purging of our past negative energy. Allover enchanting and aesthetically pleasing, it’s a wonderful opportunity to craft something and take part of traditional Thai culture. Loy means “to float”, and Krathong refers to a decorated piece of banana trunk. In order to pay respect to the goddess of the river, Pra Mae Khongkha, Thais create beautiful krathongs and release them to float in the water to ask for forgiveness and to wish for a new healthy year ahead. Often adorned with banana leaves, fresh flowers, incense and candles, Krathongs can be quite elaborate in the making. Some people even include a strand of hair, or a fingernail to signify things of our past to do away with. Baht coins are left as well to share wealth and welcome it for times ahead. Nearly any body of water or river will be a hotspot for this festival all across the country, with various areas adding to the fun with live music, pageants, Krathong contests, and releasing of lanterns. If you’re in Chiang Mai, you’ll be lucky to experience Thailand’s Lantern Festival as well, ahead of the Loy Krathong ceremonies.
Phi Ka Thon – The Ghost Festival (the weekend of the 6th full moon of the Thai lunar calendar, typically in June or July)
Tucked away in Northeastern Thailand is a village named Dan Sai, located in Loei Province. A farming community with a lot of heart, this village throws a 3-day festival that consists of a large parade on Friday where people wear extravagant, ghostly masks and colorful costumes; Saturday is reserved for more music and dancing, especially hosted at the main temples of the town; and, ceremonies to pay homage to Buddha are left for Sunday, drawing the festivities to an end. Initially celebrated to represent a party that was so crazy it would “wake the dead”, Phi Ka Thon is definitely a must-do if you’re willing to commute to this more-remote area. Take in the unique and sightly masks, generally long and white, made of woven cones and dried husks craftily-painted will vibrant colors and designs. Clap and dance along to the carnival-like antics while drums sound and cowbells ring. Summon the spirits and join the party!
