Every year, on the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of February, Chiang Mai hosts its Flower Festival. On Saturday, there’s a parade of beautifully decorated flower floats and people dressed in elaborate costumes, which also passes through the old city area. This article shares the atmosphere of the festival, which I was fortunate enough to witness two years in a row, in 2023 and 2024.
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
History and Significance of the Flower Festival
The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is a traditional festival that has been held since 1957. Originally, it was a celebration to mark the end of winter and the beginning of a new year. Today, it contributes to preserving Chiang Mai’s culture and traditions and promoting the development of its tourism industry.
What it’s like on the day of the festival
Parade Flower Floats
In 2023, when I first visited Chiang Mai, I was surprised when the parade suddenly began without any prior knowledge. The following year, posters were displayed all over the city, so I had a proper grasp of the schedule and was ready and waiting. Around 10 AM on Saturday, the parade arrived on the road in front of Chiang Mai Gate, located south of the old city. Many tourists had already secured their spots along the roadside and were waiting. This road is not very wide, so car traffic is blocked during the parade.
In early February, even in northern Thailand, the sun becomes strong during the day. The parade time is precisely the hottest part of the day. I found a spot in the shade of a roadside tree and was ready to go.
The parade features flower floats decorated with flowers at the front, followed by people in costumes dancing and playing musical instruments. Carrying large instruments in the heat, even bigger than those typically seen in Japanese brass bands, must be tough. Various groups participate in the parade, showcasing local specialties, school performances, and children’s groups. Along the roadside, families of these children lined up, calling out to them and cheering them on.
What was particularly delightful to see was the abundance of beautiful ladies. Even if you didn’t know which group they belonged to, everyone seemed happy when a float carrying beautiful ladies passed by. I took many photos myself! After this, the parade continued to a park at the corner of the old city, where concerts and other events were held until the next day.
Early February is seasonally the best time of year to visit. If you happen to be in Chiang Mai during this period, I highly recommend experiencing the festival.
