Festivals & Events in Chiang Mai

Festivals and events in Chiang Mai are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by locals and tourists alike. Given its ethnic and cultural diversity, Chiang Mai is blessed with festivals that'll keep you busy throughout the year.

Celebrations of traditional Thai festivals in Chiang Mai are in accordance with the lunar calendar. With the evolution of its culture and lifestyle, the city has added newer events and festivals in its annual diary.

The Flower Festival is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Chiang Mai. Falling in the first weekend of February, this fest features a parade on Saturday morning, wherein floats are beautifully decorated with flowers. Each float represents a theme and has a prize to compete for. Public gardens and parks are also beautifully decorated and put for public display.

Songkran is the festival commemorating the traditional Thai New Year. In Chiang Mai, this festival is celebrated over a course of three days. Houses and marketplaces are cleaned and decorated with exquisite things. Various traditional ceremonies are also held during this festival in Chiang Mai.

The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is organized by the Bo Sang Umbrella Village, one of the topmost sites for sightseeing in Chiang Mai. During this festival, local artistes display and sell handmade umbrellas. These umbrellas are colorful and come in various shapes and sizes. This is the most unique event in Chiang Mai.

The Winter Fair Festival in Chiang Mai is a great allure for tourists. During this time, the city bears a refined look, with all shops and attractions beautifully decorated. This is also a great time for shopping in Chiang Mai.

The other popular festivals and events in Chiang Mai are Baan Tawai Woodcarving Fair, Makha Bucha Festival, Yi Peng Lantern Festival, etc. All these festivals witness voluntary participation from most of the tourists, who are always keen to learn more about the culture of Chiang Mai.