How Loy Krathong Is Really Celebrated!

Unlike the previous post about the Loy Krathong Gala Dinner at Centara Beach Resort which is for tourists, this post is a short one about how Loy Krathong is really celebrated by, it is safe to say, nearly every family in Thailand.....of course, to greater or lesser degrees.

Arriving home from our dinner at Centara we heard loud music emanating from the beach.  Walking to the beach only takes a couple of minutes and once there we headed in the direction of the fishing village.

There was a stage set up in the sand with flashing disco lights, music loud enough to need ear protection and so many people dancing and jumping on the stage, we were waiting for it to crash to the ground.  A little further up the beach was another stage for community and school dance performances and the music coming from it was equally as loud.

The Police were present and we watched as 4 of them took away a man that was so drunk he probably didn't even know who was holding him up.  Just like parties all over the world, more than some will need a hangover cure.

All around were booths set up selling food and home made Krathongs.   Tables and chairs set up like a food court took up a large space and children were running and laughing in and out of the water.

By 11 pm it looked like everyone had already floated their Krathongs.  They were being washed back up the beach, battered and lifeless having given up the wishes, hopes and dreams to the sea.  We listened to the sounds of celebration fade into the night as we walked back home.

We were settling in for the night when we heard fireworks.  These pictures were taken from our balcony with Vince hand holding my camera and trying to catch one or two.

Celebrating Loy Krathong at Centara Grand Beach Resort

Loy Krathong is one of the most ritualistic and colorful events happily celebrated by families all over Thailand. Handmade Krathongs come with a candle, three incense sticks and some flowers and are made with banana leaves folded in designs.  Floating the Krathong signifies the purging of bad luck and in current times often used to ask for riches, love and prosperity.

                       So begins our lovely evening spent at the Centara Grand Beach Resort

We heard a sweet voice calling...."Mr. Hat, Mr. Hat!"
It was our friend Bim whom we have not seen for many months. 

                   Dancers and Musicians leading the guests to their garden and poolside tables

               Our fresh orchid garlands to be used later in the evening to vote for Miss Noppamas

            There was a Krathong on every table for the guests to float at the end of the evening

These are giant Krathongs made by each department at the hotel floating in the swimming pool

The food was delicious and there were nearly 50 different dishes to choose from but you can see where my eye went for photos!

Traditional Thai Dance

I love that I caught the sign in this picture!

What Venus is to beauty for the ancient Greeks, Noppamas is the ultimate beauty for Thai women. 

It is said that a woman of great beauty and charm named Noppamas was a favorite of King Phaya Lithai in 1347 and that she made the first Krathong.  Thai women all across the country enter local Noppamas Beauty Contests in her honor.

These contestants were representing the departments they work at Centara.  The ladies circulated the gardens and each guest placed their garland over the neck of the woman they chose to be Miss Noppamas.

Sun Wukong was obviously the winner!

Making wishes before floating Krathongs

I like how the reflections are in this picture

Mr. Hat floating our Krathong

Our favorite part of the evening was the giant ice sculpture of a Krathong.  It was incredibly beautiful and we were mesmerized by the changes throughout as it was thawing in the heat. 

 It was a nice place to cool off from the heat. It was 32 C or 90 F at 10 pm!

This is my favorite!

If I was a cat I would want to live at Centara Grand Beach Resort!   Just look at those eyes!

Good Night from mysterious, magical, and oh so beautiful Hua Hin, Thailand