City plans biggest ever Loy Krathong festival
Saksit Meesubkwang
Mark your calendars – Loy Krathong activities begin November 18th and run through the 25th. The official start date is November 22.
The Municipality of Chiang Mai plans to hold the biggest ever Loy Krathong or Yee Peng festival this year, according to Madame Mayor Dr. Duentemduang na Chiengmai.
This year the Loy Krathong celebrations will honor the grand celebration of the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King on December 5.
Official celebrations will begin on November 22 at the Three Kings monument in the old town with Krathong floats making their way around the city. A contest will be held to select the most beautiful floats.
In addition, there will be a Miss Yee Peng beauty contest with the most beautiful girls from the North competing in traditional Thai costumes.
Special lighting and decorations will cover the city to celebrate the occasion and the Mayor said a “clean–up campaign” will be also launched to keep the city clean as thousands of tourists descend on the Chiang Mai for this yearly spectacle.
This year’s theme is the Lanna culture and it will be grandiose according to the Mayor.
Warnings will go out to residents regarding the ban on fireworks and alcohol during Loy Krathong. The Mayor added it was necessary to avoid people getting injured.
Chiang Mai Mail