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Chinese New Year in Thailand 
Chinese New Year in Thailand
by Jules Kay
Thailand has long
enjoyed close links with China and this is reflected in the many
celebrations that take place across the country during Chinese New Year,
which falls between the 12-15 February in 2010.
The biggest
celebrations will take place in areas which boast a significant
Thai-Chinese community and although today's festivals often include
contemporary elements, they also offer a rare glimpse into the past.
Many parts of the country become centres for art, music and dance during
this period, providing a colourful reminder of the rich cultural legacy
the two countries share.
Bangkok is home to Thailand's largest
Chinese community and the China Town New Year Festival is one of the
most spectacular in the Kingdom. The event draws tens of thousands of
revellers to enjoy vibrant parades, dragon dances, firework displays,
opera shows and other traditional performances. This year, on February
14, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhornhe will preside
over the opening ceremony and special events will include a concert by
top Thai artists and a display of traditional Chinese lanterns. As an
added bonus, Bangkok will also host a range of performances from China,
organised by the Chinese Embassy. These will include Kung fu from
Beijing, Chinese Opera, Chinese Mask Change performances and Tibetan
dancing. The special events will take place from February 6-7 at Central
World shopping complex in Bangkok, with special shows twice daily at
the National Theatre from February 8-11.
Thailand's ancient
capital, Ayutthaya, also celebrates Chinese New Year in style with a
5-day festival starting on February 15 that attracts large numbers of
international visitors. As well as processions, dragon dances and food
stalls, there are several contests during the week including the popular
Young Mr and Mrs Chinatown contest, not to mention Chinese Opera
performances set around the city's dramatic, historical sites.
Even
more diverse, the Phuket Chinese New Year Festival from 19-21 February
takes place in the island's Old Town, a recently renovated heritage zone
characterised by beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture. This year, the
cultural extravaganza includes Chinese martial arts and acrobatics
displays from Beijing, as well as Northern dance from Heilongjiang, (one
of the coldest regions in the world), puppet performances from the
Guangxi Zhuang in southern China and even astrological readings based on
the Chinese horoscope. Drama, music and fireworks, not to mention a
wide variety of tempting Chinese delicacies combine in what is becoming a
major attraction for visitors from around the world.
Other
locations in Thailand where Chinese New Year will be celebrated with
gusto this year include Chiang Mai from 14-16 February, where the
festivities will include a Miss Chinatown contest, Pattaya on the same
dates, which will stage a live concert and food fair, plus Had Yai in
the south, which will also host a concert by artists from Thailand,
Malaysia, Singapore and China, as well as Chinese folk games and a Lion
Dance performance.
The scope and diversity on offer in Thailand
this Chinese New Year, makes it one of the region's top choices for
those looking to experience the full colour and excitement of the
celebrations. Cultural performances from 10 different Chinese provinces,
with food stalls, craft fairs and street parties providing a festive
backdrop, guarantee that in Thailand, the Year of Tiger will start with a
bang.
Source: http://www.phuketvillasandhomes.com/news/news_526.html
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