Mesmerising cultural festival coming up in central Thailand

A mesmerising cultural festival is coming up in central Thailand. The 36th Phra Nakhon Khiri Festival is set to take place in Phetchaburi province from March 17 to 26, and it is an event not to be missed.

The annual festival celebrates the rich history and traditions of the region and will be held around Phra Nakhon Khiri park, also known as Khao Wang, in the main city district.

The festival is a tribute to King Rama IV, King Rama V, King Rama VI, and King Rama IX, as well as a way to boost tourism in the region. The festival will feature a wide range of activities and events that showcase the local culture, history, and gastronomy.

The festival aims to tell the story of Phetchaburi’s history, from its origins as a busy trading center to its present status as a vibrant cultural and gastronomic hub. Festival attendees enjoy traditional Thai dance and music performances, cultural exhibitions, and food stalls, as well as the historic sites and natural beauty of the region.

The festival’s highlights include traditional Thai dances and music, as well as local handicrafts such as silk and pottery. There will also be alms-giving to monks, and the lighting of candles and incense at local temples.

A variety of food stalls will be featured, which will offer a mouthwatering selection of traditional Thai dishes, including Phetchaburi’s famous cuisine, Hua Hin Today reported.

This year’s event will begin at 5 pm on March 17 with a parade of classic antique cars from the Thai Antique Car Association. The official opening ceremony will start at 7.30pm with students from Phetchaburi Rajabhat University performing on the center stage at Khao Wang.

The festival is divided into three zones.

Zone 1 is located around the National Museum, Phra Nakhon Khiri, and is decorated in energy-saving LED lights from street level up to the viewpoint on top of Khao Wang, where a spectacular fireworks show takes place.

Zone 2, located in the area of Chaloem Phra Kiat Park, features various cultural shows, local cuisine, and craftsmanship from Phetchaburi city artisans. The craftsmanship will include Thai silk. Attendees can sample the cuisines of all eight districts of Phetchaburi, including delicacies from famous chefs.

Other activities in Zone 2 include: desert-making competitions, flower garland-making competitions, photography exhibitions, sales of agricultural and OTOP and a plethora of tasty street food.

Zone 3, located around Benjamarachutit School, is where the “Phra Nakhon Khiri-Mueang Phetchaburi Motor Show” takes place, with various cars on display and for sale. Visitors can take advantage of special promotions, great deals, and numerous freebies offered by all car brands.

Organisers have reduced the size and amount of fireworks this year to minimize noise and vibrations that may affect Phethaburi’s ancient buildings and historical sites. The opening ceremony on March 17 will include 500 fireworks, with another display featuring 340 fireworks planned for 9pm. Between March 18 to 26, a fireworks display featuring 340 fireworks will take place daily from 9pm.

The Phra Nakhon Khiri festival is a mesmerising celebration of Thai culture and history, offering visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.