BANGKOK CHINA TOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
Yaowarat district of Bangkok
26-27 January, 2009
26 January 2009
16.30 hrs.
Arrival of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Chairperson of the ceremony
(as per the Royal Official Programme)
Start off the ‘Year of the Ox’ by paying homage to the statue of the Chinese Goddess Guan Yin brought all the way from China. Enjoy spectacular cultural performances from the various regions and provinces of China — the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China, Hainan Province bordering the South China Sea, Shandong Province, Anhui Province, Heilongjiang Autonomous Region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province.
Cultural Performances from the Regions and Provinces of China
In addition to cultural performances, the performers from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China will be perform acrobatics and demonstrate the ancient art of Chinese mask-changing featured in Chinese operas, while the cast from Hainan Province will present folk plays, offering a glimpse of the island’s culture. The performers from Shandong province will present a demonstration of Kung Fu fighting and martial arts and the performers from Anhui, located in the centre near the Yangtze River and the hometown of Bao Qingtian, the Justice of the Supreme Court of the province who is well-known for being loyal and honest, will present Chinese opera depicting an account of the life and virtues of Bao Qingtian.
Hailing from one of the coldest cities in the world, the cultural troupe from Harbin — capital of the Heilongjiang Autonomous Region, will present a musical performance featuring their folk musical instruments, while the performance by the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region reflects traditions and a way of life in the extreme climate of this mountainous region. A wonderful magic show presented by Jilin Province completes the list of captivating cultural performances rarely seen live outside of mainland China.
These will be equally matched by Thailand’s own magnificent cultural performances presented by the Kalasin College of Dramatic Arts. For a change of pace, artists from GMM Grammy will be staging shows.
BANGKOK: CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT CENTRAL WORLD
At CentralWorld, Bangkok
26 January, 2009 from 13.00 hrs. onwards
Feast your eyes on magnificent performances presented by a troupe of more than 100 performers from the various regions and provinces of China.
27 January 2009
From 13.00 hrs. onwards
Cultural Exchange Ceremony between the People’s Republic of China and the Kingdom of Thailand
Following an official cultural exchange ceremony between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Kingdom of Thailand in which the Minister of Culture of the PRC and Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports will deliver an address and greet people in the two nations during a live broadcast, enjoy spectacular cultural performances from China.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Bangkok
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5615, (0) 2250 5500 ext 2991-5
Samphanthawong District Office
Tel: +66 (0) 2234 3460, 0 22373345
TAT Call Center 1672 www.tourismthailand.orgAYUTTHAYA CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009 District of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ayutthaya province
27-31 January 2009
Along Naresuan Road from Talat Chao Prom market to the Chao Ai Chao Yee Shrine
Festival highlights include the Golden Dragon and Lion Dance, the procession of the Chinese deities, Chinese opera performances, floral floats decorated with traditional Chinese ornaments, performances by schools and colleges, and activities such as the ‘Teng Leng’ Traditional Chinese Lanterns Contest, the Miss Chinese Beauty Pageant and Kids Contest, and the Suntharaporn Folk Song Contest. Enjoy delicious food and lively entertainment and shop for attractively-priced village crafts and other great buys and good bargains.
PROGRAMME
26 January
09.00 – 16.00
Religious rituals are performed at a shrine situated in front of the Ayutthaya municipal office. The shrine is open all day throughout the Ayutthaya Chinese New Year Festival for those wishing to pay respect to the deities and seek New Year blessings in the ‘Year of the Ox’.
27 January
06.00 – 07.30
Visitors arrive
07.30 – 08.00
Ancestor worship rituals are performed to pay homage to past kings of Ayutthaya.
08.00 – 08.30
Buddhist rituals are performed and ritual offerings are made.
09.00 – 10.30
Invocation ritual at the shrine situated in front of the Ayutthaya municipal office
19.00 – 24.00
Young Miss Chinatown
Miss Chinese beauty pageant
Traditional Chinese opera
28 January
08.00 – 11.30
Rituals are conducted to pay homage to the deities.
18.00 – 24.00
Golden Dragon and Lion performance
Musical entertainment by schools and colleges
Suntharaporn Folk Song Contest
Traditional Chinese opera
29 January
08.00 – 11.30
Rituals are conducted to pay homage to the deities.
Ritual offerings are made.
13.30
Participants in the Chinese New Year procession assemble at a meeting point in front of the Ayutthaya Vocational College on Patone Raod
14.30
Official Opening Ceremony with the lighting of fire-crackers and unveiling of an auspicious banner to greet the Chinese New Year. Golden Dragon and Lion performance presented in honour of the deities.
14.30 – 17.00
Procession starts and winds its way through city streets
18.30 – 24.00
Golden Dragon and Lion Dance performance from the provinces of Ratchaburi and Nakhon Sawan
Traditional Chinese opera
Musical entertainment by schools and colleges
30 January
08.00 – 11.30
Rituals are conducted to pay homage to deities.
Ritual offerings are made.
18.00 – 24.00
Golden Dragon and Lion Dance performance
Musical entertainment by schools and colleges
Suntharaporn Folk Song Contest
Traditional Chinese opera
31 January
08.00 – 11.30
Rituals are conducted to pay homage to the deities.
Ritual offerings are made.
18.00 – 24.00
Thank You Party
Chinese musical performances
Closing ceremony
Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Office
Tel: +66 (0) 3524 6076-7
Fax: +66 (0) 3524 6078
E-mail: tatyutya@tat.or.thRATCHABURI CHINA TOWN CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
23- 31 January 2009
Along the main city streets in the Ratchaburi provincial centre
The Ratchaburi China Town Chinese New Year Festival begins with a ritual procession staged in honour of revered Chinese deities from the various sacred shrines. The preparation of stir-fried auspicious noodles at 18.00 (6.00 p.m.) each evening during the festival period is also a symbolic gesture. Noodles signify longevity.
Event highlights include the Black Light Dragon Show, the 24-Season Drum Performance and a variety of colourful contests, especially the Lion Dance Contest with teams taking on the additional challenge of having to scale a pole on a floating stage in the middle of the river, the popular annual Miss China Town Beauty Pageant and Little Miss China Town and Little Mr China Town contests, a string contest and musical entertainment. Lucky draws being held daily on the centre stage.
The traditional ‘Lion Dance’ is a masked dance. According to traditional Chinese beliefs, the lion is associated with qualities such as courage, stability and superiority.
23 January
15.00
Witness a procession in honour of revered Chinese deities from the various sacred shrines
18.00
The preparation of stir-fried auspicious noodles
23- 24 January
19.00
China Town 2009 Dancers Contest
(Qualifying round for contestants from primary schools)
String Contest – Qualifying round
Lucky draw on the centre stage
25 January
15.00
2009 Ratchaburi China Town Procession
through the streets of Ratchaburi town/provincial centre
18.00
The Ratchaburi China Town Chinese New Year Festival 2009 Opening Ceremony
The ritual preparation of stir-fried auspicious noodles
Chinese musical performance
Miss China Town Beauty Pageant — Qualifying round
Lucky draw on the centre stage
String Contest on the stage in front of the Government Savings Bank (Tanakaan Omsin)
26 January
19.00
Musical entertainment
20.00
Miss China Town Beauty Pageant — Semi-final
Lucky draw on the centre stage
27 January
19.00
24 Season Drum Performance
Black Light Dragon Show
Lucky draw on the centre stage
28 January
19.00
Musical entertainment
20.00
2009 Little Mr China Town Contest
Lucky draw on centre stage
29 January
18.00 onwards
Miss China Town Beauty Pageant — Final round
Lion Dance Contest
To win the contest, teams face the additional challenge of having to scale a pole on a floating stage in the middle of the river.
Musical entertainment
String Contest on the stage in front of the Government Savings Bank (Tanakaan Omsin)
Lucky draw on the centre stage
30 January
18.00 onwards
Lion Dance Contest
To win the contest, teams face the additional challenge of having to scale a pole on a floating stage in the middle of the river.
2009 Little Miss China Town Contest
Lucky draw on the centre stage
31 January
18.00 onwards
Lion Dance Contest
To win the contest, teams face the additional challenge of having to scale a pole on a floating stage in the middle of the river.
Performance by students
Lucky draw on the centre stage
Closing ceremony
Contact information:
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phetchaburi Office
Tel: +66 (0) 3247 1005-6
Fax: +66 (0) 3247 1502
E-mail: tatphet@tat.or.thSUPHAN BURI CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
At the Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine in Suphan Buri
25 January - 8 February 2009
Individuals of Chinese descent are considered to be descendents of the Golden Dragon. It is therefore customary from them to pay their respects to Chinese gods and goddesses, deities and guardian spirits during the Chinese New Year celebrations as an expression of remembrance, gratitude and appreciation. Such acts are deemed to positively influence one’s good fortune and fate in the new year. Vegetarian food will also be served free-of-charge at the shrine during this period.
25-30 January
Performances of Chinese opera will be staged from 20.00 hrs. onwards.
26 – 27 January
The ‘Descendants of the Dragon’ Chinese Museum at the Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine offers a magnificent cultural showcase that traces Chinese history and the history of Chinese communities in the Thai kingdom through the centuries.
Descendants of the Golden Dragon will be able to go back in time and re-trace the footsteps and exciting voyages of discovery undertaken by their courageous forefathers and take great pride in their extraordinary achievements.
According to traditional Chinese beliefs, the mythical Golden Dragon is endowed with awesome powers. The source of the elements — water, wind and fire, and the custodian of the seasons, the Golden Dragon is the source of life and prosperity. It is believed that individuals who come into contact with the Golden Dragon are blessed with some of this vital force and good luck and good fortune in life and success is bestowed upon them.
The museum will remain open for visitors throughout the Chinese New Year holidays on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th January.
26 January/18.00 – 21.00 hrs
Blooming Dragon Flower Dance — a folk dance performed by students from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China
‘Suphan Buri is In My Blood’ — a special performance by guest artist, Santi
Special performances from Szechuan (Sichuan) province featuring the ancient art of Chinese mask-changing featured in Chinese operas, ‘Shadow Hands’ and ‘Breath of Fire’.
The Heavenly Dragon Bestows New Year Blessings: a special fireworks and pyrotechnics show
Pong-lang, an uptempo traditional I-San musical performance
27 January
Descendents of the Golden Dragon — a special performance
Special performances from Szechuan (Sichuan) province featuring the ancient art of Chinese mask-changing featured in Chinese operas, ‘Shadow Hands’ and ‘Breathe of Fire’.
A demonstration of Kung-Fu fighting and martial arts from Shandong province
Performing arts by Hainan Province
The Heavenly Dragon Bestows New Year Blessings: a special fireworks and pyrotechnics show
Folk music performed by Prachaniwet School
The Don Chedi Memorial Fair and Suphan Buri Red Cross Fair will also be staged during the 18 January - 1 February period.
Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.
Chinese Museum at the Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine
For more information and reservation, please contact: 0 3552 6211-1.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Suphan Buri
Tel: +66 (0) 3553 6030
Suphan Buri City Pillar Shrine
Tel: +66 (0) 3552 1690
TAT Call Center 1672 www.tourismthailand.orgPATTAYA CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
At the Central Festival Shopping Center by Pattaya Beach and South Pattaya Port (Bali Hai Pier) in Pattaya
24, 26-27 January 2009
PROGRAMME 24 January
14.30 - 15.30 hrs. Spectacular cultural performances from the various regions and provinces of China — the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China, Hainan Province bordering the South China Sea, Shandong Province, Anhui Province, Heilongjiang Autonomous Region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province —are the highlights of the Chinese New Year festivities being held at the Central Festival Shopping Center by Pattaya Beach.
26-27 January
Witness the various festive highlights associated with Chinese New Year celebrations, including the famous traditional Lion dance and the beating of nine drums which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Also enjoy other event highlights such as the Pattaya Chinese Girl 2009 Contest and various form of entertainment.
Visitors to Pattaya wishing to pay their respects to revered Chinese deities will be able to observe ancient customs and traditions at the Najataijue Chinese Shrine in the Chon Buri provincial centre (Amphoe Mueang Chon Buri) during the period from 26 January - 1 February.
Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Chon Buri
Tel: +66 (0) 3842 7667, (0) 3842 8750, (0) 38423990
PHUKET CHINESE NEW YEAR - 10TH OLD PHUKET FESTIVAL
31 January - 2 February, 2009/ 18.00 - 23.00 hrs.
At Queen's Park, Along Thalang Road, Krabi Road, and Soi Rommani
Old Phuket comes alive with the Chinese New Year celebrations each year. The picturesque Sino-Portuguese setting of the old town provides a perfect backdrop for the island’s Chinese New Year celebrations.
Festival Highlights At Queen's Park
Experience Chinese opera and a demonstration of Kung Fu fighting and traditional Chinese martial arts. Be mesmerized by the captivating cultural performances from the various regions and provinces of China — the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China, Hainan Province bordering the South China Sea, Shandong Province, Anhui Province, Heilongjiang Autonomous Region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province — rarely seen live outside of mainland China. Admission is free throughout the three days of the festival.
Stroll along the ‘walking streets’ of Old Phuket, admiring the charming Sino-Portuguese architecture whilst stopping en route to enjoy the dazzling diversity in local cuisine and delicacies — savoury and sweet — found along the ‘food streets’ and along Bang Yai Canal.
Take part in the various activities being staged or simply sit back and enjoy special presentations such as animation at Sino-Portuguese House No. 63 and a special screening of films that have been shot in Phuket.
31 January
17.00 Chinese New Year Procession in the downtown area
The colourful procession will start out from Sapan Hin and proceed along Phuket Road – Surin Circle – Ratsada Road – Suriyadej Circle – Yaowarat Road to Thalang Road.
1 February
Enjoy performances of Chinese opera, a demonstration of Kung Fu fighting and traditional Chinese martial arts, as well as Chinese cultural performances at the Shopping Destination, Patong Beach.
2 February/ From 22.09 - midnight
At Queen's Park
Rituals are performed in honour of Chinese deities and guardian spirits in front of the dragon statue to seek blessings and ensure the continued prosperity of the island community.
TAT Call Center 1672 www.tourismthailand.orgSONGKHLA: HAT YAI CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009
At the Hat Yai Municipality Public Park and Sanehanusorn Road,
Hat Yai city centre
26-28 January 2009
Witness the magnificent dragon and lion dances as the procession makes its way along city streets decorated in colourful Chinese-style festive decorations. Enjoy the 2009 Chinese Dolls Contest and various forms of entertainment staged throughout the day. Or simply enjoy the delicious food and shop for great buys and good bargains.
Visit Hat Yai Municipality Public Park to see the charming display of various styles of Chinese lanterns crafted in creative and contemporary styles as well as traditional forms.
28 – 29 January
Enjoy the Chinese cultural performances from the various regions and provinces of China — the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China, Hainan Province bordering the South China Sea, Shandong Province, Anhui Province, Heilongjiang Autonomous Region, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Jilin Province. — on January 28th and 29th.
Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Hat Yai
Tel: +66 (0) 7423 1055, (0) 7423 8518
TAT Call Center 1672 www.tourismthailand.orgNAKHON SAWAN – PAK NAM PHO – CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
Downtown, Amphoe Mueang (provincial centre), Nakhon Sawan
19-30 January, 2009
Nakhon Sawan province is known to the locals by its other name, Pak Nam Pho. This is where the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan rivers converge to form the Chao Phraya River — the ‘River of Kings’. Given its strategic location Nakhon Sawan is in the lower northern part of the country between the North and the Central Region, the province is often described as the ‘gateway’ to the North and is the transportation hub for the Lower North.
19 January
Opening ceremony of the Pak Nam Pho Chinese New Year Festival 2009 at the Hat Sawan Lan Boon ceremonial stage on the bank of the Chao Phraya River
19 - 30 January
It is customary for individuals of Chinese descent to pay respect to Chinese deities, gods and goddesses, and guardian spirits as part of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations in an expression of gratitude and to seek blessing for a good life, good times, health, wealth, prosperity and longevity in the New Year.
A grand banquet or a sumptuous feast is also an equally indispensable element of Chinese New Year festivities. A vast range of traditional and local delicacies will be on offer as part of the Pak Nam Pho Delicious Chinese Food Extravaganza.
The highlights of the evening also include Pak Nam Pho’s own Thai-Chinese performing arts, stage performances, a light-and-sound show, with the Chao Phraya River providing a perfect backdrop for the event. There will also be a special screening of “Descendants of the Dragon: The River of Faith”. The legendary Thai film, starring Thailand’s most celebrated actors, depicts the traditional values and beliefs associated with the Chinese New Year celebrations and reflects the unquestionable loyalty that Thais of Chinese descent pass on from generation to generation.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to shop for great buys and good bargains.
28 January
Chinese New Year Procession By Night
29 January
Chinese New Year Procession in the day-time
Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Uthai Thani
Tel: +66 (0) 5651 4982
The Organizing Committee
Tel: +66 (0) 5621 3614
TAT Call Center 1672 www.tourismthailand.orgCHIANG MAI CHINESE NEW YEAR 2009
Along Kuang Meru Road., China Town in Chiang Mai
26-27 January 2009
Start the new day at 06.00 hrs. with traditional exercises as practiced by the great Chinese masters. Enjoy Chinese cultural performances, a feast of traditional Chinese delicacies, music and various forms of entertainment throughout the evening.
Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Chiang Mai
Tel: +66 (0) 5324 8604, (0) 5324 8607
Chiang Mai Municipality Office
Tel: +66 (0) 5325 9365
TAT Call Center 1672 www.tourismthailand.orgNAKHON RATCHASIMA CHINESE NEW YEAR FESTIVAL 2009
Thao Suranari Monument, Nakhon Ratchasima provincial centre
(Amphoe Mueang)
26-27 January, 2009
Enjoy the wonderful decorations in the city. Feast your eyes on the Chinese cultural performances and music, the dragon and lions dance as well as a light-and-sound Presentation. Enjoy Chinese food and shop for good buys and great bargains.
Remark: The programme is subject to change without prior notice.
For more information, please contact:
TAT Nakhon Ratchasima
Tel: +66 (0) 4421 3030, (0) 4421 3666
IMPORTANT
Event dates and programme details may be subject to change.
Many of the festivals and events listed on Thailand's official calendar of annual events are traditional Buddhist or folk festivals, the date of which is either determined by the Buddhist lunar calendar and waxing and waning moon. These are not staged events. The festivals reflect the rhythm of life in rural Thai villages and local traditions as observed in times past. To ensure you have the most updated information, please reconfirm details prior to travel.
