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Bands, floats and elephants highlight Pattaya Carnival finalé
This year’s week-long Pattaya Carnival, started with a Carnival Costume Ball at
the Royal Cliff Beach Resort. A few hundred people attended, most in normal
dress as wearing a fancy costume is still not considered “cool” by many people.
But those people who were dressed up had the whole crowd around them and felt,
at least for one evening, like movie stars.
During the week, local bands played every evening on the beach, many stalls sold
a lot of clothes, plants, and other paraphernalia. Many people were strolling on
the beach promenade enjoying the scenery, the atmosphere and the fun.
The peak of the Carnival was, once again, the parade. Even though no hotels
joined, as the invitations were delivered at the last minute. they therefore had
no time to prepare. It was a great spectacle though . A marching band from
Bangkok, many children in Thai dresses, witch costumes, “Funken-mariechen” (a
renowned German Carnival dance group invented these costumes), the Million Year
Stone Park attended with a train and the Elephant Village came with all their
elephants in historical costumes. One venerable female elephant was not amused,
and police had to emphasise that these intelligent and sensitive creatures do
not like camera flashes blinding them. The lady elephant almost made one tourist
into a pancake. Go-carts with very young drivers raced along the beach road and
followed their idols, the Harley Davidson Club, who joined the Parade with
roaring motor bikes. Amongst them was also Lek Carabao, a member of the Club and
one of the most famous singers and composer and songwriters in Thailand. We
mustn’t forget the “original Trachten band” of the Bavaria House who followed
the real original ÄmmeruuggerMauters Musik Band from Switzerland, all dressed in
fantastic Carnival outfits. They brought the true Carnival spirit alive.
We all are looking forward to next years Pattaya Carnival and hope it will
become a traditional event in our town.
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“Mr. Pattaya” celebrates his 62nd birthday with the Ämeruugger Mauters Carnival band
Louis Fassbind in festive mood whilst
celebrating his birthday party at his residence.
One of the band’s beauties joins in
the birthday celebrations.
The Swiss Carnival band, one of the highlights
of the Pattaya Carnival, play their rendition of Happy birthday as the sun
sets
over the bay.
A toast from his brother Joe and niece
Monika.
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