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Chonburi
Province Annual Festival is an activity annually
organised by the people of Chonburi since 1932. The Festival
combines the festivals of venerating Puttha Sihing, Songkran
and the Red Cross Fair together into one. It is held around
the middle of April every year. The festivals?s activities
include a procession for venerating Phra Puttha Sihing Buddha
image, water pouring for the elders, folk games,?Khon? or
classical masked-dances from the Department of Fine Arts,
cultural performance, exhibitions and stalls.
The festival aims to
conserve and promote local customs as well as to instill
a sense of value for the cultural heritage.
Wan Lai Festival
The heat in Thailand intensifies once the month of April
comes. People of old were wise enough to initiate the Songkran
festival to cool themselves off from the heat and celebrate
it as the Thai New Year. In the central region, the festival
is usually held on the 13th-15th of April
while in the east there is a difference as the water throwing
activities commence on the 16th or 17th, 18th or 19th, known
as ?Wan Lai? (Flowing Day).
Pattaya
Festival usually held at the middle of April
to promote tourism and Pattaya?s reputation. Floral floats
are paraded along the streets. The Miss Pattaya beauty contest
is held as well as traditional and aquatic sports competitions
and construction of sand castles. A spectacular fireworks
display takes place on the beach and fire crackers are also
set off. Simultaneously, there are arts and cultural performances,
exhibitions and souvenirs for sale.
Ancestral
Spirits Ceremony Festival is at Si Racha District.
It is based on an old custom of the people of Chonburi only
practiced now in Si Racha. It is held every year between
April 19-21 on the grounds in front of Tambon Si Racha Municipal
Office and on Ko Loy Si Racha. Activities comprise a parade
by the elderly group and personnel from differrent government
agencies, dressed in traditional folk costumes, ceremonies
for the appeasement of the spirits, demonstration of Kong
Khao or rice piling, folk games, demonstration and sales
of local cuisine and delicacies.
Koh
Pra Sai Wan Lai Festival at Bangsaen is
based on an ancient tradition practiced by generations of
Tambon Saensuk residents, formerly called the Wan Lai Merit-Making
Ceremony. Villagers from various places would gather to
make merit for the Thai New Year(Songkran). Monks from every
temple in Tambon Saensuk congregate to perform religious
rites that start with merit-making and food-offering and
the bathing of Buddha images. These are followed by other
activities such as building sand stupas, water-throwing,
games and folk sports.
Boon
Klang Ban and Phanatnikhom Basketware Festival
is a festival that dates back several years ago usually
taking place during the 3rd to the 6th
month of the Thai lunar calendar. An elder or respected
villager determines a day for merit making and the ridding
of ill luck for the well-being of the people. The religious
ceremonies are followed by the sharing of meals and performances
of folk games.
Chonburi Buffalo
Race is an age-old tradition in the Province
of Chonburi held annually on the 14th full moon
night of the 11th lunar month which falls in
October. Apart from the one held in Muang District of Chonburi
Province, other races also take place at around the same
time in Ban Bung and Nong Yai District.On the day of the
festival, farmers will bring in their buffaloes draped attractively
with multicoloured satin cloths, and gather on the lawns
of the Provincial Hall.
Buffaloes are entered
in races, and health plus best-decorated competitions. Young
women also compete in a beauty contest where girls vie for
the title of "Nong Nang Ban Na" farm maiden.
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