Loy Krathong and Yi Peng often coincide or take place back to back thanks to quirks in the traditional Lanna (northern Thailand) and standard Thai calendars. While Yi Peng is a Lanna festival held on the second full moon of that region’s calendar (try to keep up here), Loy Krathong kicks off on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar.
Loy Krathong’s origins are a bit murky, but is said to have sprung up during the 13th century in Sukhothai. Some believe it celebrates the water goddess, Mae Kongkha, others claim it was Brahmin in origin, but everyone agrees it’s a rockin’ good time.
Today the festival is packed with ornate parades, concerts, beauty pageants, family celebrations, mouthwatering Thai treats and, of course, krathong. Made from a crafty combo of banana leaves, lotus flowers, candles and incense, these floating rafts (the literal translation of Loy Krathong) are sent flaming down Thailand’s waterways, carrying away the owner’s bad luck and insuring a fresh start.
In 2012 many cities will celebrate the official Loy Krathong November 28, the evening of the full moon. However, festivities officially run November 26-29 in most areas.
In Chiang Mai the Floating Krathong Parade is staged on November 28, not to be confused with the Big Krathong Parade the following evening. Festival-goers can eat, drink, be merry and release their delicate krathong on the Ping River throughout the festival.
Sukhotai revelers are treated to 14 straight days of festivities among the city’s candle-illuminated ruins (hello, amazing photographic opportunity!). Plus the parades, fireworks displays and concerts kick the celebration up a notch.
Bangkok does Loy Krathong by wrapping its bridges and buildings in lights, making for some pretty impressive late night exploration. Lumpini Park is also a must for partiers, and local hotels and resorts (especially those along the water) host special parties and events.
Loy Krathong and Yi Peng often coincide or take place back to back thanks to quirks in the traditional Lanna (northern Thailand) and standard Thai calendars. While Yi Peng is a Lanna festival held on the second full moon of that region’s calendar (try to keep up here), Loy Krathong kicks off on the full moon of the 12th month of the traditional Thai lunar calendar.
Loy Krathong’s origins are a bit murky, but is said to have sprung up during the 13th century in Sukhothai. Some believe it celebrates the water goddess, Mae Kongkha, others claim it was Brahmin in origin, but everyone agrees it’s a rockin’ good time.
Today the festival is packed with ornate parades, concerts, beauty pageants, family celebrations, mouthwatering Thai treats and, of course, krathong. Made from a crafty combo of banana leaves, lotus flowers, candles and incense, these floating rafts (the literal translation of Loy Krathong) are sent flaming down Thailand’s waterways, carrying away the owner’s bad luck and insuring a fresh start.
In 2012 many cities will celebrate the official Loy Krathong November 28, the evening of the full moon. However, festivities officially run November 26-29 in most areas.
In Chiang Mai the Floating Krathong Parade is staged on November 28, not to be confused with the Big Krathong Parade the following evening. Festival-goers can eat, drink, be merry and release their delicate krathong on the Ping River throughout the festival.
Sukhotai revelers are treated to 14 straight days of festivities among the city’s candle-illuminated ruins (hello, amazing photographic opportunity!). Plus the parades, fireworks displays and concerts kick the celebration up a notch.
Bangkok does Loy Krathong by wrapping its bridges and buildings in lights, making for some pretty impressive late night exploration. Lumpini Park is also a must for partiers, and local hotels and resorts (especially those along the water) host special parties and events.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..
