Bonjour.
Voici le programme pour cette année.
This year’s Loy Krathong 2008 festival in Chiang Mai is officially scheduled to run for four days, from November 10 to 13 inclusive. On November 8, prior to the festival itself, 5, 000 khom loys will be released into the evening skies from the grounds of Mae Jo University’s Meditation Centre following a special Buddhist ceremony, an amazing sight which, once experienced, will never be forgotten. TAT is planning a special songthaew service from the city to Mae Jo, and asks that visitors should arrive at the university’s grounds by 5 p.m. If visitors are planning to use their own transport, earlier arrival is advised to give plenty of time to park.
In the city, on November 10, the main events will take place at the Three Kings Monument from 6 p.m. onwards. Apart from the Grand Opening of Loy Krathong Yee Peng 2008 between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., there will be a children’s beauty contest, Lanna music performances which will continue for the full 4 days, and even a beauty contest for pigeons! The main festivities will take place from the 11th to the 13th; as a result, Ratchadamnoen Road will be closed to traffic from 4 p.m. onwards and Thapae Road from 6 p.m. onwards on those days.
November 11 will see the 17th Yee Peng lantern parade starting 6 p.m. at Thapae Gate and moving down Thapae Road to Wat Sri Don Chai, where it will finish at midnight. At the Three Kings Monument, there will be the Miss Yee Peng beauty contest, and the beginning of the three-day “Legend of Yee Peng “competition.
The following day, November 12, will feature the ‘Small Krathong Parade, ’ from 6 p.m. to midnight, and on November 13, the last and main parade, the ‘Giant Krathong Parade’ will take place. These two parades will both start at Thapae Gate and continue down Thapae Road to the Municipal Offices, and are expected to start at 6 p.m. and continue well into the night.
As with most Loy Krathong Festivals, on the evening of 12th and 13th, there will be a large firework display for the Buddha Bucha on the Ping River in front of the Municipal Offices from 7 p.m. onwards, together with Krathong floating Lanna style, also from 7 p.m.
On the 12th, from 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. on (or rather, in) the river, bamboo rafting and diving competitions will take place. The west side of Narawat Bridge, in front of the Governor’s Residence, will see traditional Lanna merit-making ceremonies, Phra Siri Mong Ka La Yee Peng. On 11th, 12th and 13th, Wat Jed Lin will display the folk art of 6 ethnic races.
The two main areas from which to release your own khom loys are at Thapae Gate and in front of the Governor’s Residence. On 13th, Wat Muang Sart Noi will feature the conservation of traditional Yee Peng Wisdom from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Wat Inthakin will feature a traditional display of Lanna lanterns throughout the period.
Et quelques photos de l'an passe.
J'y serai cette année aussi.
Bon sejour.
Christian.