Ring in the Festivities: Celebrating Laos New Year 2017 with Traditions, Dance and Delicious Cuisine
Are you ready to party like it's 2017? Then you need to head to Laos for their epic New Year celebration! From April 14th to April 16th, the streets will be filled with music, dancing, and all kinds of shenanigans. But before you pack your bags and head off to this Southeast Asian country, there are a few things you need to know about the festivities.
First of all, forget everything you know about New Year's Eve. In Laos, they celebrate the New Year in April - and they take it very seriously. This is the biggest holiday of the year, and everyone gets involved. Whether you're a local or a tourist, you'll be welcomed with open arms (and maybe a shot of Lao-Lao, the local rice whiskey).
But don't expect a quiet night in with champagne and Auld Lang Syne. This is a three-day party that involves water fights, parades, and lots of food. That's right - food is a huge part of the celebrations, with families preparing elaborate feasts to share with their loved ones.
The first day of the New Year is known as Maha Songkran, and it's all about purification. People will clean their homes, temples, and Buddha statues, and then gather together to pray for good luck and prosperity. This is a great time to witness traditional customs and rituals, and to get a sense of the importance of Buddhism in Lao culture.
But things really kick into high gear on the second day, known as Nao. This is when the famous water fights start, and the streets become one big, joyous carnival. You'll see people of all ages dousing each other with buckets of water, water guns, and even fire hoses (yes, really!). It's the perfect way to cool down in the hot April heat, and to let loose with your fellow revelers.
If you're feeling brave, you can even join in on the Baci ceremony. This involves tying strings around people's wrists to wish them good luck and happiness for the New Year. But be warned - these strings are believed to hold magical powers, so don't be surprised if you start feeling a little different afterwards!
Of course, no celebration is complete without food. And during Laos New Year, you'll be spoiled for choice. From sticky rice to spicy papaya salad, there's something for everyone. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try some of the more unusual delicacies (like fried crickets or buffalo skin).
If you need a break from the festivities, there are plenty of other things to see and do in Laos. You could take a boat ride down the Mekong River, explore ancient temples in Luang Prabang, or simply relax in a hammock and soak up the laid-back vibe.
But let's be real - you'll probably want to join back in on the fun pretty quickly. And who could blame you? Laos New Year is like nothing you've experienced before. It's a time of joy, laughter, and community - and it's a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simplest ones.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your water gun and get ready to ring in the New Year, Lao-style!
Introduction: The Happiest Time of the Year
Laos New Year 2017 is just around the corner, and it's time to get your party hats on! This is the happiest time of the year, and Laotians celebrate it with great vigor and zeal. Known as Pi Mai Lao, this three-day-long festival is all about joy, fun, and laughter. From splashing water on each other to visiting temples to seek blessings, there's something for everyone during this time of the year.The Water Festival: Splashing Good Times
The highlight of the Laos New Year is the Water Festival, which takes place on the first day of the celebrations. People take to the streets armed with buckets, hoses, and water guns, and drench each other in water. It's a sight to behold – the streets are filled with people laughing, dancing, and having a great time. So, don't forget to pack your waterproof camera and join in the fun!Temple Visits: Seeking Blessings and Good Luck
Laos New Year is also a time for spiritual reflection and seeking blessings from the elders. People visit temples to make offerings and pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The temples are decorated with colorful flags and flowers, and the air is filled with the scent of incense. It's a peaceful and serene experience that is a must-do during your visit to Laos.Food, Glorious Food: Feast Like a Laotian
What's a celebration without food? And the Laos New Year is no exception. Laotian cuisine is famous for its spicy, sour, and savory flavors, and during the Pi Mai Lao, you'll get to sample some of the best dishes. From sticky rice to laap to papaya salad, you'll be spoilt for choice. And if you're feeling brave, try the fermented fish – a delicacy that's not for the faint-hearted!Traditional Clothes: Dress to Impress
During the Laos New Year, people dress up in their traditional clothes to pay respect to their culture and heritage. For women, it's the sinh – a long skirt made of silk or cotton that's worn with a blouse. Men wear a salong – a type of sarong that's tied at the waist. So, if you want to blend in with the locals, make sure you pack some traditional clothes!The Beauty of Baci Ceremonies
Another spiritual aspect of the Laos New Year is the Baci ceremony, which is held to bring good luck and blessings to individuals. The ceremony involves tying white strings around the wrists of the participants, while prayers are recited. It's a beautiful and meaningful ritual that's worth experiencing.The Sound of Music: Dancing the Night Away
Laotians love music and dance, and during the Pi Mai Lao, there's plenty of both. From traditional folk music to modern pop songs, the streets are filled with the sound of music. And, of course, where there's music, there's dancing! So, put on your dancing shoes and join in the fun.The Joy of Giving: Sharing the Love
The Laos New Year is also a time for giving and sharing. People exchange gifts and food with each other, and donate to temples and charities. It's a time to spread love and kindness, and to show appreciation for the people in our lives.The End of an Era: Saying Goodbye to the Old Year
The Laos New Year marks the end of the old year, and it's a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. It's a time to let go of the old and welcome the new, with hope and optimism.The Beginning of a New Chapter: Welcoming the New Year
And finally, the Laos New Year is a time to welcome the new year with open arms. It's a time to celebrate new beginnings, new opportunities, and new adventures. So, let's raise a glass and toast to the new year – may it be filled with joy, love, and laughter!Forget January 1st, We Celebrate New Year in April!
Laos sure knows how to party! While the rest of the world's new year celebrations are long gone, Laos is gearing up for a whole new round of festivities in April. The Lao New Year celebrations, also known as Pi Mai Lao, go on for three whole days and involve plenty of water fights, traditional rituals, delicious food, and much more.Get Ready to Get Drenched!
The most exciting part of Lao New Year is the nationwide water fight. For three days, people roam the streets fully armed with buckets, hoses, and water guns, ready to drench anyone in sight. Make sure to keep your phone in a waterproof case, or it might end up getting soaked too!Elephant Blessings and Silk Tying: Only in Laos!
Apart from water fights, there are plenty of other unique traditions to explore during Lao New Year. In Luang Prabang, you can participate in an elephant blessing ritual, while in Vientiane, you can learn how to tie traditional silk bracelets. Who knows? You might even discover a hidden talent for handicrafts!Who Needs Fireworks When You Have... Firecrackers?
While other countries might light up the sky with colorful fireworks, Laos prefers to make its own noise. For the new year celebrations, firecrackers are a must, so be prepared for some loud and unexpected explosions. Just make sure to protect your ears!Time to Clean House... Literally!
Before the new year officially begins, it's customary to give your home a thorough cleaning. And we're not talking about just vacuuming and dusting - we're talking about every nook and cranny! So, dust off your gloves and get ready to work up a sweat. Your home will thank you for it!Feasting like Kings and Queens!
No celebration is complete without some delicious food, and Lao New Year is no exception. Get ready to indulge in traditional Lao dishes, such as papaya salad, sticky rice, and laap, a spicy minced meat salad. Your taste buds are in for a treat!The More the Merrier!
Lao New Year is all about spending time with loved ones, so don't be surprised to see large families and groups of friends hanging out together, enjoying the festivities, and soaking each other with water. The more people, the merrier!Better Bring Your Best Dance Moves!
Music and dance play a big role in Lao New Year celebrations. Traditional Lao music is played throughout the streets, and people dance on the water-soaked pavements. Don't be shy, join in the fun, and show off your best moves! You might even learn a new dance step or two.Take a Break from the Road!
If you're planning on driving during Lao New Year, think again. The nationwide water fight means that the roads are pretty much impassable, so it's best to take a break and enjoy the festivities instead. Plus, walking around and getting drenched is much more fun than sitting in traffic!Tired? What's That?
With three days of non-stop celebrating, it's no wonder that most people are exhausted by the end of Lao New Year. But who needs sleep when there's so much fun to be had? Plus, there's always next weekend to catch up on some snooze time. So, get out there, enjoy the festivities, and make memories that will last a lifetime!Laos New Year 2017: A Hilarious Celebration
The Festivities Begin
It was the start of the Laos New Year, and the streets were filled with people ready to celebrate. As I walked through the bustling crowds, I couldn't help but feel excited for what was to come. The air was filled with the sound of traditional music and the smell of delicious food.
As I made my way to the center of town, I saw a group of children playing with water guns and buckets of water. It's a tradition during Laos New Year to throw water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. As I passed by, they turned their water guns on me, drenching me from head to toe. It was a hilarious start to the festivities.
The Food
One of the highlights of Laos New Year is the food. There were vendors selling all kinds of delicious treats, from papaya salad to grilled meats. I decided to try some sticky rice with spicy chicken, and it did not disappoint. The flavors were so bold and vibrant, I couldn't help but go back for seconds (and thirds).
The Games
Another fun aspect of Laos New Year is the games. There were booths set up where you could play traditional games like tug-of-war and sack races. I joined in on a game of catch with a group of children, which turned into an impromptu dance party. We laughed and danced in the streets, enjoying the moment.
The Water Fight
The water fight during Laos New Year is something everyone looks forward to. People roam the streets with water guns and buckets, drenching anyone they see. I found myself in the middle of a massive water fight, trying to dodge the streams of water coming at me from all directions. It was chaotic and exhilarating.
The Aftermath
By the end of the day, I was exhausted and completely soaked. But I had never felt more alive. Laos New Year is a celebration like no other, full of laughter, joy, and community. As I made my way back home, I couldn't stop smiling, knowing that I had just experienced something truly special.
Table Information
| Keywords | Description |
|---|---|
| Laos New Year | A traditional festival celebrated in Laos to mark the start of the new year and the beginning of the rainy season. |
| Water Fight | A fun tradition during Laos New Year where people throw water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and renewal. |
| Food | A highlight of Laos New Year, with vendors selling delicious treats like papaya salad and grilled meats. |
| Games | Booths set up with traditional games like tug-of-war and sack races for people to play during Laos New Year. |
Closing Message: Laos New Year 2017
Well, folks, it's time to say goodbye to another Laos New Year. As the festivities come to a close, it's time to reflect on all the fun and merriment that we've had over the past few days. From water fights to temple visits, there was never a dull moment during this year's celebration.
First and foremost, let's talk about the water fights. If you didn't get soaked at least once during Laos New Year, then you weren't doing it right. Whether you were using a bucket, a water gun, or your bare hands, everyone was fair game during the water fights. It was a great way to cool off from the scorching sun and an even better way to bond with friends and strangers alike.
Of course, we can't forget about the food. From sticky rice to laap, we indulged in some of the most delicious dishes that Laos has to offer. And let's not forget about the endless supply of Beer Lao. It's safe to say that we all ate and drank like kings (and queens).
But Laos New Year isn't just about having fun. It's also a time for reflection and renewal. Many of us took the opportunity to visit temples and make merit. It was a chance to cleanse our minds and start the new year on a positive note.
Now, as we say goodbye to Laos New Year 2017, we look forward to what the rest of the year has in store for us. We may be sad that the festivities are over, but we can take comfort in knowing that we'll have another chance to celebrate next year.
So, to all of our blog visitors, we hope that you had an amazing Laos New Year. We hope that you made some unforgettable memories and that you're already looking forward to next year's celebration.
Until then, stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay happy. ສະບາຍດີ!
What People Also Ask About Laos New Year 2017
What is the Laos New Year celebration called?
The Laos New Year celebration is called Pi Mai Lao which means Lao New Year. It is celebrated every year from April 13th to 15th.
What are some of the customs and traditions during the Laos New Year celebration?
One of the most popular customs during Pi Mai Lao is the throwing of water. People throw water at each other as a symbol of washing away all the bad luck from the previous year. Another tradition is the building of sand stupas, which are small sand castles decorated with flowers and incense.
Is alcohol allowed during the Laos New Year celebration?
Yes, alcohol is allowed during the Laos New Year celebration. In fact, it is common for people to drink beer and lao-lao (a local rice whiskey) as part of the festivities. Just remember to drink responsibly and stay hydrated!
What should I wear during the Laos New Year celebration?
It is recommended to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing during the Laos New Year celebration as it can get quite hot and humid. Traditional Lao clothing such as a sinh (a sarong-like skirt) or pha biang (a shawl-like garment) is also appropriate.
Can tourists participate in the Laos New Year celebration?
Yes, tourists are welcome to participate in the Laos New Year celebration. In fact, it's a great opportunity to experience Lao culture and traditions firsthand. Just be respectful of the customs and traditions and have fun!
Will there be fireworks during the Laos New Year celebration?
Fireworks are not a traditional part of the Laos New Year celebration, but they may be used in some areas as a way to celebrate. However, it is important to note that fireworks can be dangerous and should only be used by trained professionals.
What kind of food is served during the Laos New Year celebration?
During Pi Mai Lao, it is common to eat traditional Lao dishes such as laab (a spicy minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), and khao niew (sticky rice). Street vendors also sell a variety of snacks and sweets during the festivities.
Is it safe to travel to Laos during the New Year celebration?
While the Laos New Year celebration is generally a safe and festive time, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes can occur, especially in crowded areas. It is also recommended to avoid drinking tap water and to stick to bottled water.