Every year in Ubon Ratchathani, the beginning of the Khao Phansa (the Candle Festival), also known as Buddhist Lent, is celebrated. This is a three month period when the monks retreat to the temples to learn about Buddha's Enlightenment. This year (2018) Khao Phansa Day is celebrated on July 28.
The Candle Festival in Ubon Ratchathani is one of Thailand's oldest festivals and attracts thousands of tourists every year. The festival is held in Ubon Ratchathani, located in Isan, North-East Thailand. The festival takes place around the days of Asanha Bucha (which commemorates Buddha's first sermon) and Wan Khao Phansa (the beginning of Vassa, the Buddhist Lent).
During the festival there are various cultural and entertainment activities on the program, of which the traditional parade with candles is the most special. On Asanha Bucha day, the candles are taken to Thung Si Muang, a park in the center of the city, where they are displayed in the evening. On the same evening, small processions with burning candles are held at various temples. In the morning of Wan Khao Phansa, the candle sculptures are carried around the city on lavishly decorated floats to the local temples, accompanied by dancers and musicians in traditional costumes.
Ceremonies are organized in several places in the country, accompanied by a special candle procession, cultural performances and music.
Video: Candles & Carving
In this video you can see how the beautiful candles and floats are made:
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwoN57_KAKg[/embedyt]