Former Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome (back row, center) leads a delegation of officials in announcing the final schedule for this year’s Pattaya Chinese New Year festival. A blast of firecrackers, spike in tourism and dances by lions and dragons will herald the start of the Year of the Monkey when Pattaya celebrates Chinese New Year Feb. 8. May good luck, good health and prosperity be with you throughout the coming year.
Chinese New Year dawns in Pattaya Feb. 8
A blast of firecrackers, spike in tourism and dances by lions and dragons will herald the start of the Year of the Monkey when Pattaya celebrates Chinese New Year Feb. 8.
Former Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome led a delegation of officials from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation, and event organizer Subtanwa Event Maker Co. Jan. 25 at Central Festival Pattaya Beach in announcing the final schedule for the twin-headed celebration.
Morning events will start with blessing ceremonies at city hall, the King Taksin monument on Pratamnak Hill and the Siensua god statue at the Sawang Boriboon Thammasathan Foundation.
Former Culture Minister Sonthaya Kunplome (back row, center) leads a delegation of officials in announcing the final schedule for this year’s Pattaya Chinese New Year festival. A blast of firecrackers, spike in tourism and dances by lions and dragons will herald the start of the Year of the Monkey when Pattaya celebrates Chinese New Year Feb. 8. May good luck, good health and prosperity be with you throughout the coming year.
At 11 a.m., Sawangfah Road will be closed to facilitate the Chinese lion and dragon dance parade. Following the parade, these Chinese Boy and Girl pageant will be held, offering 80,000 baht in scholarships to for youngsters ages 5-8. Registration is open through Feb. 5 at the Cultural Tourism Promotion Department at city hall, 038-253-130.
Celebrations will include a procession of the God of Good Luck, lion and dragon dances and EngKo fighters at the Naklua Market. There will also be a ceremony to give Buddhist offerings and pay respects to Heaven and the Earth, a Pattaya Chinese beauty contest and performances by famous artists.
The evening festivities will take place on Walking Street, which will be closed starting at 4pm and all vendors prohibited from trading after that point. The street will host another lion and dragon parade.
For more information call TAT Pattaya on 038 427 667.
