Sakon Nakhon, Thailand, 11 December, 2013 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting local and international tourists to join a joyous festive parade and count glittering stars at the only annual Christmas Star Procession in the country, followed by a rural show of “Three Black Magic” fair, in Sakon Nakhon from 23 to 29 December, 2013.
Ms. Boonyanuth Warnaying, Director of the TAT Nakhon Phanom Office, said: “The Christmas Star Procession is a tradition unique to the province of Sakon Nakhon and has been held annually since 1982 to commemorate the Christmas nativity.”
According to the traditional biblical story, around the time of the birth of Jesus Christ, Eastern prophets recorded the appearance of a mysteriously bright new star and followed it to the stable in the city of Bethlehem where Jesus was born. According to the scriptures, the ‘star’ symbolises the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Son of God. So the Christmas Star Procession is held to celebrate this important element of the nativity.
Xmas Star Parade Sakon Nakhon_04 (500×333)This year, the Christmas Star Procession will take place from 23 to 25 December in Mueang Sakon Nakhon district and Ban Ta Rae, which is home to Thailand’s largest Roman Catholic community.
Ms. Boonyanuch said: “This tradition has been ongoing for three decades now in Sakon Nakhon. TAT, along with local officials and cultural experts understand the need to preserve this custom, which is not only important to the local people but also popular with local and international tourists who come to join the procession.”
This year’s festivity starts at the 100-year-old Ta Rae community from 23 to 24 December. During this period, the people of the community elaborately decorate their colonial- and Vietnamese-style houses with star-shaped lamps and glittering Christmas trees. The highlight of the event is the traditional Christmas star parade which is unique to Ban Ta Rae. A mass is also held at the community’s cathedral, and visitors can enjoy a city tram tour, a walking street and a traditional Christmas nativity play. Visitors can also learn how to make the famous star-shaped lanterns in a fun workshop.
Xmas Star Parade Sakon Nakhon_03 (500×375)The spectacular Star Procession itself takes place on 25 December from 18.00 hrs. onwards, in Mueang Sakon Nakhon district. Over 200 vehicles will join the procession and these have been brightly decorated by members of the Roman Catholic communities of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Kalasin. Also joining the procession will be traditional Christmas figures; such as, Santa Claus and angels. But the real atmosphere is generated by the thousands of Christian pilgrims and locals who join in the procession with their own glittering star lanterns.
The procession begins at the Rama V Plaza, and parades around the town, heading to the main venue of the Ta Rae – Nong Saeng Christian Church (Saint Joseph School). Tourists are invited to join in the fun from 15.00 hrs. onwards. Activities in the church grounds include stage entertainment, a Christmas nativity play, ASEAN cultural shows, a Christmas choir and firework displays, as well as, the star-lantern and Christmas decoration workshop. Visitors also get the chance to enjoy local food while buying local crafts.
From 25 to 29 December, tourists are invited to stay longer in Sakon Nakhon to marvel at the “Three Black Magic” fair at the Ming Mueang Ground in Sakhon Nakhon Municipality. The black magic refers to some of the region’s fascinating agricultural livestock in the form of famous black hens, black pigs and black cows that have been bred in the Phu Phan Royal Development Study Centre. There are also fun cultural shows and concerts as well as a food fair with lots of tasty offerings to enjoy.
For more information, contact:
Sakon Nakhon Cultural Office, Tel: +66 (042) 716247
Sakon Nakhon Provincial Administration, Tel: +66 (042) 711773
Ta Rae – Nong Saeng Christian Church, Tel: +66 (042) 711272
TAT Nakhon Phanom Office
Open daily from 08.00 to 16.30 hrs.
Tel: +66 (042) 513490-1
E-mail: [email protected], www.facebook.com/tatnakhonphanom
Contact Information:
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2253 7419
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.tatnews.org
Filed in : Media Releases, Media Releases 2013
Tags: Headlines, Latestupdate
