A Journey Trough Thailand Part 2, Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai

What an amazing surprise! I had no idea about this festival. It was pure coincident to arrive smack in the middle of it. And what an amazing experience!

What is the Loy Krathong Festival?
Celebrated annually usually around full moon in November, the Loy Krathong (Lantern Festival) has its origin all the way back to the 14th century. Its a Northern Thailand Buddhist holiday, where paper lanterns are lit and released to ask for forgiveness from the water goddess. It is also believed that bad luck disappears with the flying lantern.
The actual release of lanterns has been banned since 2019 due to various hazards (Fire, airplanes etc) , however this year a exception was implemented for Chiang Mai. Reportedly 60 flights was rescheduled for this. (Chiang Mai Airport is very close to the City)

The day of arrival just went into walking around to get to know the neighborhood (And decide to change hotel). After some food at a Night Market, I suddenly stumbled onto the Parade. Before that I had no idea this festival even existed….

I didn’t carry the camera the first night, but there was parade again the next evening. And what an amazing showcase of Culture! These big structures carried forward with diesel engines was just stunning.
The electricity for the lighting was generated using old diesel generators, and i have to admit the exhaust fumes got a bit much at times.

The King

As you may be aware the Royal Family and especially King Maha Vajiralongkorn is a central focus in Thailand. There are Pictures of him everywhere in the Country. So of course he has to be represented here as well.

Consulate and embassy representation
The massive parade went on for several hours. And there was no end to beautiful displays and shows. It moved very slowly, and took regular stops for people to take in the display.
Several countries has their own representation at the Parade. Here are from the Chinese and US consulates (Click image):

Unfortunately I only saw the lanterns from a distance. Was just to exhausted from the heat and diesel exhaust. But at least I saw them :) `

One thing that really impressed me was the smiles. They were smiling for hours on end, and held it. Towards the end some of them looked tired, but what an impressive display. Some tourists was quite aggressive and intrusive with their photo snapping, but they just posed and kept smiling.