Colors of Pattaya - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Rich cultural traditions are of real pride for local folks. Ancient crafts, bright and symbolic holidays and festivals, inimitable folk costumes and dressing, charming music and friendly and welcoming atmosphere are the main ethic features of the city of Pattaya. Travelers craving to learn the specific features of local culture should necessarily visit a local Thai mask theater named Khon and watch one of the stunning performances.

This is a unique trend of drama art featuring stunning dance shows. The main symbol of the theater is bright masks hiding faces of actors during the performance. All the participants of the show are clad in national dresses. The performances of the theater are always accompanied with national music. The youngest visitors of the resort will better like a Thai puppet theater which often holds open air performances. During the year local folks observe numerous original holidays and festivals. Foreign guests have a chance take part in any of them.

The most waited and wanted holiday among local folks is the Pattaya Songkran Festival or the Thai New Year. The festival takes place in the middle of April annually. It lasts for seven days and features numerous mass festivals and shows, dancing and music performances, grand fireworks. Travelers visiting the resort during this festival should keep in mind one specific cultural feature – one should not appear in the street in expensive clothes as well as women should not put a bright make up on. The matter is that the main tradition of the holiday is water throwing which can make tourists wet even during a usual city exploration tour in the most unexpected moment. The custom of throwing water is considered to be the most significant for local people. That is why one should not take this custom ill. Tourists should better be backed up with drinking water during the walking tour. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The same interesting ethnic holiday is the Loi Krathong festival which is held during the full moon of November. The festival is accompanied with a stunning and romantic tradition. At nightfall local people set off to a river bank and set small boats with candle lights afloat. It is considered that all the people taking part in the ritual will face luck and fortune in all aspects of life. The most interesting religious fest of the resort is the Makha Bucha (or the Magha Puja) festival which is held in the first part of February. The Buddhist Festival is dedicated to Buddha teaching. It is a one day festival. Numerous interesting original rituals and ceremonies are held on this day.