Celebrate Lao New Year 2018 with traditional water throwing, delicious feasts, and cultural performances. Join the festivities!
It’s that time of the year again! The Lao New Year is just around the corner and we are all excited to welcome 2018 with open arms. With only a few days left until the festivities begin, it’s time to gear up for some fun, laughter, and merriment. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this event is not to be missed. So, let’s get ready to soak in the spirit of the Lao New Year.
First things first, let’s talk about the most important aspect of any celebration – the food. Lao cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and spices, and during the New Year celebrations, you can expect nothing less. From traditional dishes like “larb” and “tam mak hoong” to sweet treats like “khao tom” and “khao nom kok”, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Of course, no celebration is complete without some fun and games. During the Lao New Year, water fights are a common sight, so don’t be surprised if you end up getting drenched from head to toe. But don’t worry, it’s all in good fun and a great way to beat the heat.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back activity, why not try your hand at making some traditional Lao handicrafts? From weaving to pottery making, there’s something for everyone. Not only is it a fun way to pass the time, but you’ll also get to take home a unique souvenir.
Now, let’s talk about the fashion. The Lao New Year is the perfect opportunity to dress up in your finest clothes and show off your style. From brightly colored sarongs to intricate silk shirts, there’s no shortage of options. And don’t forget to accessorize with some traditional jewelry or a colorful scarf.
But the Lao New Year is not just about food, fun, and fashion. It’s also a time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead. Many people use this occasion to visit temples, offer alms to monks, and perform acts of kindness. It’s a beautiful way to start the new year with a clean slate.
Of course, no article about the Lao New Year would be complete without mentioning the elephant in the room – alcohol. While it’s true that many people indulge in a drink or two during the celebrations, it’s important to remember to drink responsibly and stay safe. After all, you don’t want to miss out on all the fun because of a nasty hangover.
Last but not least, let’s talk about the music. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Lao tunes or prefer something more modern, there’s no shortage of music to be heard during the New Year celebrations. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove to the beat.
In conclusion, the Lao New Year is a time for joy, laughter, and unity. It’s a chance to come together with friends and family and celebrate the start of a new year. So, whether you’re planning to join in on the water fights or simply enjoy some delicious food, make sure to soak in the spirit of the Lao New Year and have a wonderful time.
Introduction
Ah, the Lao New Year. It’s that time of year where we all come together to celebrate the start of a new year and wash away the old. It’s a time filled with laughter, music, and of course, water.
The Water Festival
Speaking of water, let’s talk about the main event: the water festival. This is where everyone takes to the streets armed with buckets, water balloons, and water guns to drench each other in celebration. You’ll see people young and old getting in on the action, so be prepared to get soaked. It’s all in good fun, though, so don’t take it too seriously!
Dress Appropriately
If you’re planning on participating in the water festival, make sure you dress appropriately. This means wearing clothes that dry easily and shoes that won’t get ruined by water. You don’t want to be walking around with soggy socks all day!
Food and Drink
No celebration is complete without food and drink, and the Lao New Year is no exception. You’ll find street vendors selling all sorts of delicious snacks like grilled meats, sticky rice, and fresh fruit. And of course, there’s plenty of beer and whiskey to go around. Just remember to pace yourself – it’s a long day!
Sample the Local Delicacies
One of the best things about the Lao New Year is the chance to try out some of the local delicacies. Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone and try something new. Who knows, you might discover your new favorite dish!
Traditional Ceremonies
While the water festival is the main event, there are also plenty of traditional ceremonies that take place during the Lao New Year. These include offerings to Buddha and the pouring of scented water on the hands of elders as a sign of respect. Take some time to observe these ceremonies and learn more about Lao culture.
Respect Local Customs
It’s important to remember that the Lao New Year is a cultural celebration, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. This means dressing modestly when visiting temples and avoiding excessive drinking or rowdiness.
Nightlife
When the sun goes down, the party doesn’t stop. The streets come alive with music and dancing, and you’ll find bars and clubs packed with revelers. If you’re in the mood for some nightlife, the Lao New Year is the perfect time to let loose and have some fun.
Stay Safe
Of course, it’s important to stay safe while enjoying the festivities. Keep an eye on your belongings and don’t wander off alone at night. And if you’ve had too much to drink, don’t try to drive – take a tuk-tuk or taxi instead.
Conclusion
The Lao New Year is a time for celebration, community, and new beginnings. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your water gun, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready for a day you’ll never forget!
Lao New Year 2018 is just around the corner, and it's time to get ready for some serious fun. Water fights galore are the order of the day, so make sure you have your super soakers at the ready. There's nothing quite like splashing your friends and family with good luck to start the celebrations off with a bang! And what better way to refuel than by indulging in the street food from the many vendors that will be lining the streets? Just remember not to go overboard, or you'll be watching the water fights from the sidelines. Of course, it's also important to dress to impress. Lao New Year is the perfect opportunity to don traditional Lao clothing, so make the most of it and stand out in the crowd. And speaking of standing out, the decorations during Lao New Year are bigger and better than ever. From giant papier-mache elephants to towering banana tree sculptures, Lao New Year takes decorating to a whole new level. If gambling is your thing, then head to the local temple where you'll find endless rows of tables where you can test your luck and win big (or lose it all) in games of chance. And when it's time to let loose and dance, there's no need to hit up the club. Instead, just bust a move with your squad in the middle of the city. But above all else, Lao New Year is a time for family reunions and getting in touch with your roots. It's a time to catch up with cousins and make new memories with loved ones. And with the festivities lasting for three whole days, there's plenty of time to do just that. So leave your worries behind and embrace the fresh start that comes with the new year. The memories you make during Lao New Year will stay with you forever, whether it's running through the streets with your besties or dancing to traditional Lao music with your grandparents. Can't stop, won't stop - it's time to celebrate!The Epic Celebration of Lao New Year 2018
A Festive Time for Merriment and Joy
It's that time of the year again when the people of Laos gather together to celebrate the Lao New Year. This is a time when families come together, friends reunite, and everyone indulges in epic merrymaking. The Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai Lao, is a three-day celebration that takes place from April 14th to 16th. The festivities center around the Buddhist belief in merit-making, cleansing, and renewal.
Water, Water Everywhere
One of the highlights of the Lao New Year celebration is the throwing of water. This is a symbolic gesture that represents the cleansing of the old year and welcoming the new. People take to the streets armed with buckets, water guns, and hoses, drenching anyone who crosses their path. It's a free-for-all water fight, and everyone is fair game. Even monks get in on the action, as they venture out from their temples to join in the fun.
Feasting and Merrymaking
Food plays a significant role in the Lao New Year celebration. Families prepare lavish feasts and invite their loved ones to share in the abundance. Traditional dishes such as sticky rice, laab, and papaya salad are served, along with a selection of meat dishes. Drinks flow freely, and toasts are made to good health and prosperity in the coming year.
Music and dance are also central to the festivities. People gather in public spaces to watch traditional performances, and many join in the fun by dancing along to the beat. It's a time for letting go of inhibitions and allowing oneself to be swept up in the joy of the moment.
The Joy of Giving
Another important aspect of the Lao New Year is the act of giving. People offer alms to the monks, donate to charity, and exchange gifts with their loved ones. It's a time for generosity and kindness, and the spirit of goodwill permeates every aspect of the celebration.
Overall, the Lao New Year is a time of great joy and merriment. It's a time for coming together as a community, letting go of the old, and embracing the new. If you ever get the chance to experience this epic celebration, be sure to pack your water gun and join in the fun!
Table Information
- Lao New Year: also known as Pi Mai Lao, is a three-day celebration that takes place from April 14th to 16th.
- Water throwing: a symbolic gesture that represents the cleansing of the old year and welcoming the new.
- Food: traditional dishes such as sticky rice, laab, and papaya salad are served, along with a selection of meat dishes.
- Music and dance: central to the festivities, people gather in public spaces to watch traditional performances, and many join in the fun by dancing along to the beat.
- Generosity: people offer alms to the monks, donate to charity, and exchange gifts with their loved ones.
Goodbye, and May Your Water Guns Stay Loaded!
Well, it's been a wild ride here at the Lao New Year 2018 blog! We hope you've enjoyed reading about all our crazy traditions, from throwing water on strangers to eating sticky rice until we're fit to burst. But sadly, it's time for us to bid you farewell.
Before we go, though, we wanted to leave you with a few final thoughts on this year's festivities. First of all, we hope you all had a fantastic time celebrating, whether you were in Laos or abroad. There's nothing quite like the energy and excitement of New Year's, and we're thrilled that so many of you got to experience it firsthand.
Of course, we also hope you took our advice and stayed safe out there. We know how tempting it can be to go a little overboard with the water guns and beer, but trust us – no one wants to spend the first day of the new year recovering from a hangover or a nasty sunburn.
Speaking of water guns...how are yours looking? Are they still fully loaded and ready for action? We certainly hope so, because as you know, the festivities don't officially end until the last drop of water has been thrown. So keep those guns close and be ready to defend yourself at all times!
Now, we know that some of you may be feeling a little down now that the celebrations are over. It's understandable – after all, who wouldn't miss dancing in the streets, feasting on delicious food, and spending time with loved ones?
But fear not! Just because the official New Year's celebrations have ended doesn't mean the party has to stop. Take some time to reflect on all the good times you had, and look forward to all the adventures that lie ahead in the coming year.
And who knows? Maybe you'll even start planning your trip to Laos for next year's festivities. We promise, it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Before we go, we wanted to thank all our readers for their support and enthusiasm throughout the blog. It's been a joy sharing our culture and traditions with you, and we hope you've learned a thing or two along the way (even if it's just how to properly aim a water gun).
So until next time, stay safe, stay curious, and keep on celebrating – because as we say in Laos, sok di pi mai! (happy new year!)
People Also Ask About Lao New Year 2018
What is Lao New Year?
Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai Lao, is the most important festival in Laos. It marks the beginning of the traditional Lao calendar and is celebrated every year from April 13-15.
How do people celebrate Lao New Year?
The celebration of Lao New Year involves water throwing, visiting temples, and spending time with family and friends. During this time, people pour water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and washing away bad luck.
What should I wear during Lao New Year?
It's recommended to wear light, comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting wet. Many people wear traditional Lao clothing, such as the sinh (a type of skirt) and pha biang (a scarf).
Is it safe to travel to Laos during Lao New Year?
While Lao New Year is a fun and exciting time to visit Laos, it's important to be aware of the safety risks associated with the water throwing festivities. Avoid carrying valuable items and electronics, and be cautious when walking near busy roads.
What kind of food is served during Lao New Year?
Traditional Lao dishes such as laap (a minced meat salad), sticky rice, and papaya salad are commonly served during Lao New Year. Various street vendors and restaurants also offer a variety of festive foods.
Can I participate in Lao New Year if I'm not Lao?
Absolutely! Lao New Year is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate. Visitors are welcome to join in the water throwing festivities and experience the unique culture of Laos.
In summary, Lao New Year is a fun and exciting time in Laos that involves water throwing, traditional clothing, and festive food. It's a great opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate, regardless of their background. Just be sure to stay safe and enjoy the festivities!
Experience the Festive Celebrations of Lao New Year 2018 - Discover Traditions and Customs!. There are any Experience the Festive Celebrations of Lao New Year 2018 - Discover Traditions and Customs! in here.