In Luang Prabang, the Boat Racing Festival is typically held on Khao Padapdin, the ‘Day of the Commemoration of the Dead’ in August. In the capital Vientiane, the festival is held the day after the end of Buddhist Lent. Both events in the capital and in Luang Prabang draw huge crowds from all over the country. Like many festivals in Laos, the boats races are accompanied by local celebrations occurring throughout the town.