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.