Thailand celebrates Songkran; plans to enlist other regions as IP festivals
17 April 2024
The Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024, popularly known as the Songkran Festival in Thailand, recently come to a close. The festival featured an array of cultural spectacles, 20 grand processions and over 1,000 historical performers showcasing the pride of the country. Visitors from all over the world participated and got splashed and wet during the festival.
In a statement published in TAT Newsroom, Tourism and Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol said: “This extravagant parade is a rare spectacle in the heart of Bangkok. It celebrates the time-honoured traditions of ‘Songkran in Thailand, the traditional Thai New Year festival’ that is listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Everyone is welcome to be a part of celebrating the traditional beliefs and local traditions that set Songkran in Thailand apart from all other countries.”
The colourful Songkran processions, which featured elaborate celebrations from 16 provinces, comprised the second segment of the event. Thailand is getting ready to name Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan and Nakhon Si Thammarat – famous for their own traditions – as “Intellectual Property Festivals.”
The Songkran festival was held from April 11 to 15, 2024.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
