Chiang Mai lights fuse for dazzling Yi Peng lantern festival
Chiang Mai skies and waterways will light up with a galaxy of floating lanterns from November 26-28 as the North celebrates the Loy Krathong festival in its own unique way.
Themed “Night of The River – Path of Culture", the Yi Peng festival will feature a krathong procession competition for the royal trophy, a magnificent parade, and elaborate decorations throughout the city.
Adding to the spectacle will be impressive light & sound displays incorporating advanced technology, as well as a firework show, Chiang Mai’s mayor Asnee Buranupakorn revealed.
Other celebrations include traditional beauty pageants for women, men and children, banana-leaf krathong making competitions, Lanna-style lantern competitions, the grand krathong launch, traditional singing and dancing, and cultural exhibitions.
A new addition this year is the "Sapao (boat) Lanna Procession Competition", which promises spectacular scenes.
The mayor also highlighted safety preparations, with emergency personnel and equipment being prepared, and waterside venues where people will release krathongs already inspected.
Participants have been urged not to release sky lanterns within the city limits, as per the province's regulations.
The normal ban on launching Yi Peng lanterns around Chiang Mai airport will also be in place.
