Much more than a long stretch of sand, the Pattaya City of today is a thriving, cosmopolitan city in which local Thais and people from every corner of the earth converge. Proof of this vibrancy, are the growing list of international events which take place here. These range from age-old cultural festivals like Songkran and international ladyboy beauty contests, to full-length marathons and wind surfing competitions!
Songkran and the Wan Lai Festival
Songkran, Thailand's wildest celebration, is a festival that takes place every year from April 13th -15th to commemorate the arrival of the New Year on the Buddhist calendar. Initially it was a family celebration in which scented water was poured on the hands of elders and grandparents.
The elders in turn wished their younger relatives good luck and prosperity. In the afternoon after the washing of Buddha images, water was joyfully splashed on everyone. Today, the holiday still involves family gatherings and religious ceremonies, but splashing and throwing water is the main emphasis. To put it mildly, all hell breaks out. It's not unusual to see pick-up trucks marauding about with barrels of water and laughing Thais in the back waiting to attack another pick-up truck - like jousting knights in medieval Europe.
Traditionalists decry the changes, but the throwing of water is usually done in good fun and is an excellent way to cool off. If you go out during Songkran be sure to leave valuables at home and to put mobile phones and cameras in plastic bags. In Pattaya, as in other areas of Eastern Thailand, the water throwing activities start later, on April 16th or 17th and terminate on the 19th with a celebration called 'Wan Lai (flowing water) Day'. Processions, religious activities, showing respect for elders and, of course, the riotous throwing of water, are all a part of Wan Lai Day. It has to be experienced to be believed!
The elders in turn wished their younger relatives good luck and prosperity. In the afternoon after the washing of Buddha images, water was joyfully splashed on everyone. Today, the holiday still involves family gatherings and religious ceremonies, but splashing and throwing water is the main emphasis. To put it mildly, all hell breaks out. It's not unusual to see pick-up trucks marauding about with barrels of water and laughing Thais in the back waiting to attack another pick-up truck - like jousting knights in medieval Europe.
Traditionalists decry the changes, but the throwing of water is usually done in good fun and is an excellent way to cool off. If you go out during Songkran be sure to leave valuables at home and to put mobile phones and cameras in plastic bags. In Pattaya, as in other areas of Eastern Thailand, the water throwing activities start later, on April 16th or 17th and terminate on the 19th with a celebration called 'Wan Lai (flowing water) Day'. Processions, religious activities, showing respect for elders and, of course, the riotous throwing of water, are all a part of Wan Lai Day. It has to be experienced to be believed!
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