As one of Thailand’s most popular festivals, Songkran is a celebration of the traditional Thai New Year. It takes place from April 13 to 15 each year and is celebrated with water fights, street parties, and other fun activities. Pattaya, one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, is no exception when it comes to celebrating Songkran. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the activities and events you can expect to see in Pattaya during Songkran.
Water fights
The most iconic part of Songkran is the water fights. During the festival, people will pour water over each other to symbolize cleansing and purification. In Pattaya, you can expect to see people of all ages taking part in these water fights. The streets are filled with people armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses, and you’re sure to get soaked if you venture outside.
Beauty contests
Another popular activity during Songkran is beauty contests. In Pattaya, there are several beauty pageants held during the festival, with contestants from all over Thailand competing for the title. These contests are a great way to see some of Thailand’s most beautiful women and experience the pageantry of Thai culture.
Street parties
Throughout the festival, the streets of Pattaya come alive with music and dancing. You’ll find street parties happening all over the city, with DJs playing music and people dancing in the streets. This is a great way to experience the festive atmosphere of Songkran and meet new people.
Traditional ceremonies
Despite the party atmosphere of Songkran, there are also traditional ceremonies that take place during the festival. In Pattaya, you can expect to see monks performing blessing ceremonies, which involve the sprinkling of holy water on people and objects. These ceremonies are a way to pay respect to the traditions of Songkran and ensure good luck for the year ahead.
Food and drink
No festival in Thailand is complete without food and drink, and Songkran is no exception. In Pattaya, you’ll find food stalls selling all kinds of traditional Thai dishes, as well as plenty of drinks to keep you hydrated during the water fights. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as som tam (spicy papaya salad) and khao pad (fried rice).
In conclusion, Songkran is a fantastic time to visit Pattaya. With water fights, beauty contests, street parties, traditional ceremonies, and plenty of food and drink, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Just be prepared to get wet!