Archive for the ‘Photoshelter’ Category

One of my favorite cultural festivals is the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival just outside of Chiang Mai Thailand to be held on January 21– 23, 2005. Watch hundreds of pretty local girls holding umbrellas in a very colorful parade followed by a beauty pageant.  Bo Sang Umbrella Village is located nine kilometers east of Chiang Mai on the Chiang Mai – Sankampaeng Road. As part of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, the village has its own unique character demonstrated by its beautiful temples, fertile rice fields, traditional Northern houses, and by the simple way of life of its villagers. The whole handicraft village is beautified with Sa paper umbrellas, flowers and other handicrafts. Umbrella makers and painters hold competitions where you can see the best at work.  Bo Sang umbrellas and parasols are now renowned worldwide as artistic masterpieces, as confirmed by winning the “Best Souvenir” prize at the International Tourism Seminar held in Los Angeles, USA.

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival Thailand – Images by Jeff Henig

Besides events related to umbrella-making, there are many other contests, exhibitions, cultural performances, local entertainment, and a variety of shows day and night. There is a grand procession of parasols and local products, a variety of handicrafts for sale, northern-style “Khan Toke” meals, and the not-to- be-missed Miss Bo Sang pageant.  The festival is as much for local people as for visitors.  Don’t miss it.

Chiang Mai Hotel