What are the holidays in Laos? Tourists travel to Laos means they come to the pristine land and peaceful countryside. Laos – The Land of a Million Elephants, possesses majestic natural landscapes such as That Luang, Patuxai Arch or the Arc de Triomphe, ancient Si Saket Pagoda, Luang Prabang … Coming to Laos, visitors are not only fascinated by the architecture of the the beautiful waterfalls, the Buddha statues of many shapes, friendly people, but also the traditional holidays and festivals…
(Source: internet)
Some public Holidays in Laos:
1. New Year’s Day
Like all other Western countries, Lao people celebrate both Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year. Lunar New Year is honored on 1st January. Lao people get one day off for New Year’s Day.
2. Pathet Lao Anniversary
This holiday is on 6th January to memorize Pathet Lao – a political movement and a communist, nationalist organization in Laos.
3. Lao Army Day
Lao Army Day is celebrated on 20 th January. Like all other nations, the Lao people celebrate this day in commemoration of the merits of those who fought for the independence and freedom of this country.
On this day, people working in the military will dress formal army uniform
and bring the solemn garlands to unknown soldiers.
4. Day of Revolutionary Party
Revolutionary Party Day of the Lao people is held on 22st¬ March. This is one of three public holidays to celebrate Pathet Lao as the result of its importance to Laos.
5. Lao New Year (Pi Mai)
Lao New Year is from April 13 to 15 each year. People water down to pray for peace for the whole year. Bunpimay festival brings the coolness, prosperity of all things, warm happiness and purification of human life. Bunpimay is an occasion to nurture and mold the arts of the nation. Bunpimay Festival takes place in three days. The first day is also the last day of the old year, people clean up in the alley. The second day is not counted because it is the middle of the year and the new year. The festival starts on the last day with various jubilant activities. The last day is the end of the moon cycle. During these three days the Laotians are on vacation, do not have to work and have any commercial activities.
According to Lao historians, the Lao ancestors coming from southern China and were deeply influenced by Indian culture. Laos is the only Mon Phama and Khmer people. Indians consider the day longer than the night and call it Watthanasagn, meaning “many shades”. Then the sun rises in the north and begins the rainy season, which is more favorable for cultivation than other seasons of the year. In addition, Lao New Year is derived from a legend about the battle between Thammabane and Kabinlaphom.
There is a wide variety of customs on Lao New Year, such as: splash; sand tower construction; release; pluck; eat Greek dishes; seize wrist; …
6. Lao National Day
Lao National Day is celebrated on the 2nd December. On 2nd December, 1975, the Pathet Lao made a proclamation the monarchy abolition. He declared the democratic Republic of Laos. Nearly all people commemorate this special occasion at home with their family members and friends.
Explore more attractions: Golden Buddha (Phu Salao); Li Phi falls; Si Phan Don (4000 Islands); Wat Luang; Champasak Historical Heritage museum; Bolaven Plateau; Wat Phou; Things to do in Pakse
