Unmasking the Thai summer

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The mask festival offers a frolicking good time with vivid colours and playful dances. (Photo by Thaweechai Jaowattana)

With a funfair and plenty of festive vibes, the Mask Festival 2023 is all set to rev up the hot season in Thailand’s northeast this month. Taking place in Loei province from March 17 to 19, the international festival will not only bring together Loei’s three famous mask processions – including the iconic Phi Ta Khon – but will also feature spectacular mask parades from around Asia.

 

The festival is being held at the Kud Pong public square in downtown Loei and promises festivalgoers a series of mask parades, cultural shows and lots of tasty local food.

 

The Phi Ta Khon, the iconic and entertaining mask festival, marks the end of a long period of hermitage and the monastic life of King Vessandorn. (Photo by Thaweechai Jaowattana)

 

The ghosts of Loei

 

Located along the Thai-Lao border, Loei is about 520 kilometres northeast of Bangkok. The province is famous for the Phi Ta Khon Festival. Inspired by Buddhist legend, this festive event celebrates the return of King Vessandorn(the incarnation of the Lord Buddha) to his throne after a long period of living as a hermit monk in the forest.

 

The locals don long-nosed ghost masks and wear huge wood phalluses to play and tease a crowd of fascinated onlookers.

 

Source: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/unmasking-the-thai-summer/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2023-03-11

 

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