Songkran, the largest and most important festival in Thailand, dedicated to the celebration of the Thai New Year, was recognized as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Taking place on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April, Songkran marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season with festivities and celebrations throughout Thailand, including entertainment, music and dance.
Este festival é um momento em que as pessoas se reúnem com as suas famílias e prestam homenagem aos mais velhos, aos antepassados e às imagens sagradas de Buda. Durante estes dias, é tradição os tailandeses visitarem os templos para cerimónias religiosas, assim como para fazer oferendas e receber a bênção dos monges. O ato de atirar e derramar água pelas ruas da Tailândia, uma tradição fundamental durante o Songkran, simboliza a limpeza, a purificação, a reverência e a boa sorte.
Taking place on the 13th, 14th and 1st, this festival is a time when people get together with their families and pay homage to their elders, ancestors and sacred images of Buddha. During these days, it is traditional for Thais to visit temples for religious ceremonies, as well as to make offerings and receive blessings from the monks. The act of throwing and pouring water through the streets of Thailand, a key tradition during Songkran, symbolizes cleansing, purification, reverence and good luck.
Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, is excited about this recognition: “The Songkran Festival, held throughout Thailand, is an event where fun and traditions go hand in hand. In 2024, Songkran promises to surprise and amaze locals and tourists with even grander celebrations.”
In Thailand, Songkran is a three-day national holiday, although the festivities can extend over a longer period. In 2021, this festival was considered one of the three biggest festivals in Asia by the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA).
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok and see the exclusive content for social networks.
