Pattaya Chinese New Year Festival begins

January 26, 2009

On 26th February Thailand along with the rest of the world celebrated the Chinese New Year. On Saturday, Khun Surapon, the Governor of Chonburi Province was guest of honor at the grand opening of the Pattaya Chinese New year Festival at the Bali Hai Port, which runs until Tuesday. Traditional Chinese Dragons and other on-stage entertainment will dominate the 4 day event which has already attracted thousands to the port.

On Saturday Night, just before Midnight, the Chinese Fire Crackers signaled the start of the local celebrations and offerings outside many bars and other businesses to the Chinese Gods were prepared and displayed. Sunday, the day before the New Year is a day used for prayer where Chinese Gods are worshipped and offerings are made to them. Here in Pattaya the day began early at 5am. The local markets started early and reported busy trading throughout the morning.

On Sunday, traffic jams were reported around Pattaya as many celebrated the New Year on Sunday rather than Monday due to work commitments. Pattaya’s Traffic Police reported serious problems on Pattaya Second Road as the Chinese New Festival coincided with the opening weekend of Central Festival Pattaya Beach which is located next to Soi 9.

To mark the official New Year, early on Monday Morning in front of the King Thaksin The Great Statue at Pattaya City Hall, a ceremony featuring a Chinese Dragon, took place where offerings were made to Chinese Gods.

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