Songkran 2011

From April 13 to 15 in Thailand celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year which coincides with the hottest period of the year and runs in a three-day national holiday. If you are over there or are you going to go short, do not miss the appointment with one of the most entertaining events of the year. Songkran is celebrated throughout the country but the cities where the celebrations are more spectacular are the capital Bangkog, Phuket, Pattaya, Sukhothai, Chiang Mai, Ayutthaya. Also called the Water Festival, Songkran is a very felt by Thais.

The dates coincide with the start of the new astrological year and generally fall between 13 and 15 April. Water is the predominant element of the festival: the Buddhist tradition gives him a purifying function, and during the holidays, the Thais take to the streets with buckets, water pipes, toy guns, also often loaded with talc mentholated and spraying passers-by and vehicles in long battles with water. A sort of collective mega water balloon, fun and very crowded. A social collective rite of blessing.

The festival began as a Buddhist religious ceremony with a visit to relatives, elders, family and neighbors. The Thai people more observant go to a wat, or temple, a Buddhist monastery to bring tribute to the monks and wash the Buddha statues by spraying with water and perfume Thai. These rituals will bring prosperity and luck throughout the new year.

After the religious celebration more festive event begins with the most games of water in the streets and city squares to wash away bad luck.

Songkran is the ancient tradition celebrated not only in Thailand but also in Burma, Laos and Cambodia. In more recent times, the playful and festive party has taken precedence over the more religious and spiritual: a great way to cool off from the heat that in April of nearly forty degrees.

Thailand is a perfect destination for traveling with kids: excellent facilities, a valid and reliable health care system and, particularly but not least, a very tasty cuisine.
For all necessary information visit the website of the Tourist Thai.