Fireworks for rice

In May, Thais prepare for the rice growing season. To appease the gods and beg for an abundance of rain, the Thais compete… launching rockets into the sky. The result is a whole fireworks festival.

In May, Thais prepare for the rice growing season. To appease the gods and beg for an abundance of rain, the Thais compete... by launching rockets into the sky. The result is a whole fireworks festival.

There is a legend: in order for the gods to send down generous rains, they need to be in a good mood. Therefore, on the eve of the rice season, the Thais organize a real holiday. This time it runs from May 5 to 9.

The city turns into a crazy carnival of fun and noise. Music concerts and theatrical performances take place at every step. Right in the middle of the street, residents start dancing in a whirlpool. Folk dances are especially popular. Even if you don't know them, there's no excuse to silently watch the festivities on the sidelines. Any resident will give you a free master class.

There are also many games and competitions taking place these days, such as rowing. A holiday wouldn’t be complete without Thailand’s favorite beauty contests.

After the celebration, the time for hard, exhausting work on arable land will begin. Therefore, while there is an opportunity, Thais plunge headlong into joyful feasts.

The most exciting peak of the holiday occurs in the evening. Teams of local residents prepare homemade rockets in advance. Each group wants their rocket to be the biggest and fly as high as possible. Bamboo and many others are used as materials. Making a rocket is a real art. And not a single team gives away its production secrets.

The launch of rockets is accompanied by riotous colorful fireworks. – And the sky becomes truly diamond-like. Thus, Thais strive to “wake up” the clouds, and at the same time cheer up not only the gods, but also their loved ones.