Thailand Events and Festivals

1/26/2010 - 1/26/2010Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration in Asia and is celebrated by Chinese communities throughout the world. It's traditionally a time for family, friends and loved ones to see one another, exchange gifts and share a big, extravagant meal. Phuket Town on the island of Phuket celebrates the occasion with a series of special events in its vibrant Chinatown area, which is located along the Sino-Portuguese Road. Amongst the entertainments, visitors can enjoy a public parade including lion and dragon dances, fireworks and firecrackers and cultural and historical displays. Food plays a big part too and the streets are lined with stalls selling speciality foods and drinks. The Chinese New Year also celebrates the imminent arrival of spring and this is the time of the year for new starts, so it is traditional to settle old debts and set children off to a good start to the year with gifts of money given in small red envelopes.