Chiang Mai, the city known as ‘The Rose of the North’, has just celebrated its annual Flower Festival. The first Saturday of February kicks off with a slow parade procession of beautiful girls, village hill tribes, high school marching bands and dancers.
The Queen of the Flower Festival is chosen the Friday night before the parade celebrations lasting well into the night.
Huge floats decorated in flowers often make intricate designs.
A moment’s rest after the four hour parade under the hot Thai sun.
Chrysanthemums, orchids, bonzai trees are on display, some for sale, in street stalls lining the corner of Suan Buak Haad City Park.
Tips on Getting There:
- The festival takes place the first weekend in February.
- Friday night’s festivities in the park are cool and pleasant with food vendors, live music and choosing of the Queen.
- Saturday morning’s parade begins at 8:00 am at Nawarat bridge, rounding at Thapae Gate on Kotchasarn road, following the moat to Changlor road and ends at Suan Buak Haad Park around noon.
- The parade is very slow and stops several times. There’s no need to get there early. I arrived at 11:30 and positioned myself towards the end to catch the last performances.
Great pictures and looks like a fun and colorful festival! Some of the the girls in the 5th picture down with the girls in a line remind me of how I felt when I was in marching band (yes, I was a band geek). Many times I would get a little pissed that I had to play in the parade, I just wanted to watch it. haha
Pablo recently posted..A Romantic First Kiss
I love all the different expressions. Some have a look like you perhaps felt and others feel like they’re in the spotlight. It’s great. Thanks for commenting Pablo!
Ahhh! Beauty, Ange! Beauty!!! <3
I really wish I could see you when I'm over in Asia…
Eartha recently posted..My RTW Update: One Month Before Departure
Where are you going in Asia, Earf? Stop in Thailand! Job prospects are looking very good, and you know you always have a place to crash. (When I finally do have a home, that is!)