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There isn't too much in Yasothon, that would tickle the fancy of a traveler to venture out
here. Located in the Northeastern corner of Thailand, Yasothon never attracted much tourist
traffic. The folks here are predominantly farmers and the farming of staple foods, such as rice
is their livelihood. The young generations have left their homes for the glitz, glitter and the
jobs in Bangkok, Pattaya or on Phuket long ago, but once a year the all come back to where
their roots are. The Bun Bang Fai Festival is their highlight on everyone's calendar. For many
generations, this multi-day festival in the month of May marks the end of their hot and dry
season. The celebrations attract spectators from all neighboring provinces as well.
A combination of mythical fertility rites, some ritual begging for rain and ancient legends,
created this festival and it remains almost untopable in terms of fun, joy and alcohol
consumption for most.
Day 1 is always taking place on a Friday, when folks meet, roads in town are closed and
mighty stages are being built. The street party starts before sunset and continues non-stop
well into Saturday, people gather again after a short rest to watch the gigantic street parade
on Day 2. Saturday belongs to dance troupes, huge parade floats and marching bands. Every
part of the province and surrounding areas sends their best performers. This street parade
will be judged team by team and it takes place on the major road in town. This report deals
with the parade only. It is the start of a SIAMPEDIA trilogy of the famous rocket festival! The
middle part will handle the street parties in-depth and give you some additional information
about Yaso, as the locals call their town proudly. Day 3 will have the grand finale with the
actual rocket firing. 10 m projectiles of several hundred pounds weight, soar into the sky (or
explode on the ground). Stand by for the final part of our trilogy, when we team up with the
national TV crews to give you the real insight of the rocket shootings with SIAMPEDIA's All-
area-access privileges.
The parade floats are XXL in size and very detailed.
The assembled floats host riders as well, they are decorated in every detail and appear solid
built. Final assemblies take place, after the riders have entered their float, in order to cover
up the chassis. Floats are being used in this parade by the score, the festival actually reflects
Laotian customs and is being held elsewhere as well. The folks in the Isaan are of Laotian
descent and treasure this. Thailand rules this neck of the woods for generations, but the
spoken language is Lao, not Thai! Countless efforts by the government over the years have
brought these people another language as spoken in schools. This did not prevent them from
keeping up their Laotian traditions, language spoken at home and with friends and their
awesome festivals. This festival is one of the few naturally grown ones, not instigated by TAT
(Tourist Authority of Thailand) and the likes!
So prices aren't inflated, no foreigner gets ripped for a few extra Baht, everything is
moderatly priced and hotels are cheap, but should be booked way ahead of time. This is their
peak season, don't be surprised if they are fully booked by March.
Dance troupes from every village around sport their prettiest dancers to perform on the road,
nothing I've witnessed before, does come close to this grace and beauty. No stage, no lights,
no show enhancement with lights or from tapes ? these dancers are very special, because
they are true amateurs!
Signage announces each new group. I presume their village name is shown in a fancy script on it.
The Queen Sirikit is always proudly displayed by the marching beauties, she is
loved by the crowd.
This little Isaan princess was riding in her special float, trailed by an enormous tourage.
Dancers followed her closeby and the parade slowly inched on.
TV Thailand broadcasts this parade nationwide. Over the years, there were more and more
moviecrews, TV-cameras and photographers present. My first Bun Bang Fai was in 1999,
when I was one of a handful of non-locals here. Back in those days, foreigners were stared
at by the kids and smiled at by the ladies. One had a serious problem to stay sober, as many
bystanders were drinking and inviting others to participate. The mood changed a bit over the
years, but the Bun Bang Fai remains a time, when every local person of age is hammered.
The winning dance team in the competition did include several tricks in their wonderful
performance, on an invisible command, they simultaneously fell to the ground and hugged
the hot asphalt. While bystanders protected themselves with huge umbrellas, these ladies
remained in this position for a while!
Its in my calender
