Laos — Events
Lao New Year
Lao New Year is known as Bpee Mai or Songkan and it’s the biggest and most exuberant celebration for Laotian people, and travelers, who invariably get roped into the festivities. New Year takes place on the cusp of the Monsoon season, at the hottest time of the year. In a bid to invoke the rain, and to cool off from the heat, water is thrown, sprayed, tossed and fired at everyone for the three days of the festival. Expect to get wet - frequently! Beauty pageants are also held around the country, with Luang Prabang hosting the best.
Buddha's Birthday
The biggest annual event on the Buddhist calendar is Visakha Busa, the day on which the Buddha was born, died and became enlightened. Temples are filled with devotees and families hold feasts and parties to mark the occasion. Although the festival is marked in every village in the country, the best place to experience it is probably Luang Prabang, where a magical lantern procession is held to mark the occasion, as well as ceremonies at sacred Pak Ou cave, a little further up the river.
Luang Prabang Alms Ceremony
The Luang Prabang daily alms ceremony is the main attraction for many visitors to Laos. Luang Prabang is central to the country as it is a key area place for those practising or studying Buddhism. Each morning before sunrise the monks proceed through the village along the main street collecting alms for their consumption in the day ahead. The ancient and ritualized ceremony is a great photo opportunity. Some tourists partake in the ceremony and offer alms to the monks.
