Balls - in the sky, the raft - the water, and fireworks - on the ground

THAI FESTIVAL OF WATER AND LIGHT Loy Kratong in Chiang Mai, Thailand celebrate the end of the rainy season, arranging an annual festival of water and light Loy Kratong. The celebration takes place in the first full moon after the rain. We managed to visit this festival during our first visit to Thailand. We asked local residents of Bangkok, where it is best to go there to watch the festival. We were advised to go into town Chiang Mai, as there are satisfied with the most entertaining holiday. In northern Thailand, this festival known as Yee Peng. In 2003 it was conducted in November 7-9, and celebrated the city. The program includes competitions, art exhibitions and free concerts from morning till night. People from different parts of the country arrived in Chiang Mai, and the city was ready to accept guests. Restaurant owners turned the main street in a huge terrace, and the flavors of food to tempt people to try the wonderful food, a choice which was just huge. Beer and soft drinks sold in baskets with ice in the markets and the waterfront. Homes were decorated with colorful balloons. Plenty of food and drinks most interesting and impressive part of the festival falls on the evening. Gathered on the beach, people set fire to the white paper balloons - balloons with hot air - and release them into the sky. It looks incredible. Fireworks, fireworks - all create a festive atmosphere. Local youth amused himself by suddenly throwing an unsuspecting adult feet firecrackers. All had fun. Even the Thais, in spite of his manner, stopped on the street to talk with us and wish you good day. Liz buys a basket of flowers Perhaps, for this fire was the worst day of the year. We saw a burning ball caught on the roof of a wooden house, almost tan it. They say that during this festival happens a lot of fires. An important part of the traditional "props" is a great decorative density (Kratong), which drained into a river. Also in the river you can see hundreds of little baskets with flowers, set on banana leaves. In the center of each basket lit a candle and incense smokes. They sell in the market, and we also bought one to drop it into the river and make a wish, as it is adopted here. Parade during the festival also held a beauty contest. The organizers did a great job - the parade was just incredible. They called the nomination a very unusual: "Princess Rose Garden," "The Snow Queen in her kingdom," "Peacock Throne" ... Their imagination knew no bounds. Loy Kratong Festival will remain in our memory forever. If you are in Thailand during the full moon festival - be sure to visit Chiang Mai. Beauty Queen See also: We're talking "Thailand", we mean "Pattaya" Mecca amateur Thai If you're shopping in Bangkok - Enjoy life and ... do not forget to bargain! Where are the statues in Thailand Popular tourist areas of Southeast Asia through the eyes of ordinary Ukrainians Island sea gypsies and diving Thai island of pristine beaches Us How evacuated during the tsunami in Thailand, China and Thailand "hunting rights" in Thailand Real decoration of northern Thailand, Krabi, crabs and islands of various shapes