Chinese New Year in Chiang Mai

Posted by Northerner on January 29th, 2011 filed in Festival

Every year, during the period between late January and early February, the descendants of Chinese settlers in Chiang Mai celebrate their traditional New Year. The occasion is called Troot Jeen in Thai and is a festive time which offers visitors an insight into unique customs and the chance of watching a lively dragon dance.

The old Chinatown area of Chiang Mai is centred on the streets leading out from the west bank of the River Ping near Warorot Market and is the focal point of the festivities. Residents hang red lanterns and streamers at the front of their shops and houses.

The festival highlight for tourists and locals alike is the dragon dance. A team of dancers dons a vividly coloured dragon costume and snakes its way through the neighbourhood to the accompaniment of exploding firecrackers and resulting clouds of smoke.

Many residents head for Pung Tao Gong Temple, the city’s oldest Chinese shrine, which is just along Praisanee Road from Warorot’s Flower Market. The colourful statues and murals at the temple provide a wonderful backdrop for the occasion. Vendors dotted through the area sell a diverse range of delicious snacks.