Upcoming cultural festivals and unique special events
NOVEMBER 2-4, 2017
YI PENG FESTIVAL: While most people in Thailand celebrate the annual Loy Krathong festival by making krathongs and floating them down the river, Chiang Mai folk not only float their krathongs but they also release floating lanterns into the night sky in celebration of the Yi Peng Festival. The belief that all the ills and misfortunes will be carried away with the lanterns as they float upwards.
JANUARY 19-21, 2018
BO SANG UMBRELLA FESTIVAL: This 3-day festival is celebrated in January each year and honours the efforts of local artisans—specifically the art of Bo Sang umbrellas. The handicrafts made by the local craftspeople are eye-popping in their creativity—resulting in delightfully bold, yet exquisitely intricate pieces. These colourful hand painted umbrellas have made Bosang Village famous, and the festival of celebration includes a parade, cultural shows, traditional market, live music, and other exciting events.
JANUARY 20, 2018
CHIANG MAI JAZZ FESTIVAL: Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for the 2018 Chiang Mai Jazz Festival featuring world-class Jazz performances. Hosted in the beautiful and scenic outdoor setting of the Promenade Mall, the line-up of talented artists—from Thailand and over the world—includes The Swing Kings (left), and Jazz Kamikaze. Check online for updates closer to the date. www.facebook.com/chiangmaijazzfestival
MARCH 1-3, 2018
THAILAND INTERNATIONAL BALLOON FESTIVAL: Every year, dozens of hot air balloon pilots are brought together from around the world to take part in the Thailand International Balloon Festival. Many colourful balloons with the marvellous decorations
are released into the sky at sunrise in the morning. Then, in the evening, join in on two nights of festivities featuring food, drinks, cultural performances, and tethered hot air balloon rides. Check out www.thailandballoonfestival.com for more info and updates.
