Like the most of the South East Asia, Laos’ annual calendar of events is a mix of lunar and solar time passage. The year itself is marked by solarphases, while the months-at least for traditional and religious events are divided up acc. To lunar phases. In the numerous festivals and celebrations and on many occasions throughout the country. It is certainly a highlight of any trip to Laos to attend and join in one of these colorful events. For most feasts elaborate decorations are set up and live music and dances are organized. Delicious buffets overflowing with Lao specialities and abundant drink are arranged. The atmosphere of genuine fun and joy is very contagious and visitors soon find themselves joining one of the many parties around town. The Lao year has a number of religious and social festivities taking place:April
International Labour Day Workers and students participate in colourful parades and sports events particularly in Vientiane where the festivities are greatest. Displays and presentation by large companies honour the contribution of workers and farmers to the progress of the country.
Visakha Buu-Saa
Commemorates the day of Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death which was all on the same day. This is mainly a religious feast and activities are mainly held in the temples, with monks praying and chanting and laymen making merit by presenting their offerings.
That Luang FestivalOne of the most spectacular events of the Buddhist year is the That Luang Festival in Vientiane. This is a three day festival held at full moon in November to honour this most important national shrine. The celebrations start in the early morning when offerings are made at the shrine and impressive crowds gather for prayers. There is a carnival atmosphere around That Luang with brightly lit food and souvenir stalls, dancing, entertainment and music stages. It is definely worth to have your holiday in Laos coincide with this charming festival to get to know the true spirit of Lao people.
Lao National Day
Comemorates the victory of the peoples’ revolution and liberation and independence of Laos from foreign occupation. It therefore marks the birth of Modern Laos in 1975. The day’s highlights are parades and public speeches by the leaders of the nation and celebration parties held by the large organizations and enterprises.
The BACI
A feast that necessitates no particular public occasion but never theless great fun is the BACI. Reflecting the Lao spirit for frequent parties this custom is performed for a variety of occasions such as welcome or farewell of an important guest, honouring achievement, marriage, birth of a child or as thanks for recovery from illness or passing a difficult exam. The events are so numerous that it makes the Baci a truly all purpose ceremony. The members of the party will form a circle around a large flower arrangement beautifully decorated. Under it are placed offering such as pieces of chicken, hard boiled eggs, sticky rice and bottles of liquor. A respected elderly man will then speak the prayers while everyone is holding one end of a white string attached to the central flower bouquet. Then everybody will start tying short white strings around each others wrists starting with the quest of honour while making good wishes. The celebrations culminate in dancing the Lamvong.
The Lamvong is the national dance, and everyone is expected to join in. You will easily learn the slow, graceful movements of this revolving, circular group dance. Everyone here can do it and new comers can learn in two minutes and are guaranteed a lovely evening to remember.