The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is a spectacular event that ushers in the monsoon season in Thailand. This year, the Candle Festival will be held from July 17th to 23rd, 2024, with the highlight Candle Float parade taking place on July 20th and 21st, 2024. As a key cultural event, the festival offers a perfect blend of tradition, religion, and modern celebration, making it a must-visit for travelers.
Origins of the Candle Festival
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival in Thailand
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival has deep roots in Thai tradition and Buddhist religion. It coincides with Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa days, marking Buddha’s first sermon and the beginning of Vassa, respectively. Historically, Thai Buddhists collected and donated candles to temples to ensure monks had light to study during the three-month Vassa period. Over time, these candles evolved into the elaborate and majestic wax sculptures featured in today’s celebrations.
Modern Celebrations
The Candle Festival is not only a religious and merit-making event but also a time for fun and festivity. Despite the restrictions on alcohol sales during religious observances, the festival boasts a wide range of activities. Visitors can enjoy food stalls, traditional music, boxing matches, and candle-wax sculpture contests. The vibrant atmosphere makes it an exciting event for both locals and tourists.
Candle Wax Sculptures
Skilled artisans create stunning and colorful sculptures
One of the most captivating aspects of the festival is the intricate candle wax sculptures. Skilled artisans create stunning and colorful sculptures depicting prominent Buddhist figures. The Candle Float parade showcases these masterpieces in a grand procession, featuring youths in traditional attire dancing to Thai music. On Asalha Bucha Day, the town center hosts an international sculpting contest, where sculptures can reach up to 20 meters in height, adorned with traditional Thai patterns.
A Cultural Extravaganza
Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival the unique heritage of Thailand
The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is a dazzling display of Thai culture, music, food, and dance. As the last festive celebration before the Buddhist Rains Retreat, it offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s rich heritage. If you are fascinated by the idea of a vibrant festival marked by elaborate candle wax sculptures and traditional festivities, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival will leave you in awe.
Plan Your Visit with VietnamStay Travel
Experience the magic of the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival with VietnamStay Travel. Join us for an unforgettable journey to witness this stunning cultural event. Contact us to
plan your trip and immerse yourself in the beauty and tradition of Thailand's Candle Festival. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to explore one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting festivals!