Chiang Mai celebrates Lanna New Year

Posted by Northerner on April 8th, 2011 filed in Festival

April 12 sees the start of Chiang Mai’s traditional New Year festivities. In northern Thailand the occasion is known as Songkran and as well as being a time for family-based activities and temple visits it is also time for a massive water fight that can last for up to a week in the rural areas surrounding this northern Thai city.

The official dates of Songkran Festival are between the 13 and 15 April when banks and government offices are closed. In reality the water throwing commences a day or so beforehand and all pedestrians and motorcyclists are considered fair game for a soaking. Foreigners, especially those with lighter-coloured hair, seem to attract more than their fair share of water.

The weather in Chiang Mai at this time of year is extremely hot, sometimes hitting 40°C on the thermometer, and a good soaking is a pleasant sensation. The central areas for the water-fight are the roads that run parallel with the Old City’s moat.

There is a colourful parade on 13 April, which starts from Nawarat Bridge, on the River Ping, and then travels up Thapae Road and across the moat at Thapae Gate before terminating at Pra Singh Temple. The parade is made up of decorative floats with local beauties sat on them and traditional dancers. Revellers seem to take particular glee when throwing water at parade participants.