Calendar of Events in Luang Prabang

The main annual events in Luang Prabang are religious, although Laos also celebrates significant days in the country's history and honours those responsible for th country's development.

Religious festivals

• Magha Puja is an important Buddhist festival that takes place in February and sees monks and devotees circle the city’s temples, chant and make offerings. Celebrations are more fervent in the capital Vientiane, but can nevertheless be enjoyed in Luang Prabang.
  
  
• Pi Mai, or New Year lasts for three days in mid-April and offers the perfect chance to cool down from the heat. The festival involves water throwing, which signifies purification and  visitors are welcome, indeed often obliged to join in the fun. Luang Prabang also features an impressive elephant parade during the Pi Mai celebrations.
  
  
• Bang Fai in May is also known as the Rocket Festival. This two-day religious event marks the start of the farming season and includes firing decorated bamboo rockets into the sky, followed by musical performances and dancing. The rockets act as a reminder to the gods to start the rains and water the rice fields.
  
  
• In October, Awk Pansaa is the end of Buddhist lent and celebrated in Luang Prabang with a procession to Wat Xieng Thong and the city’s ceremonial steps, leading down to the Mekong River.  Boun Nam is held at the same time as Awk Pansaa, and sees boat races held along the Mekong River. The locals take these races seriously, with skilled oarsmen battling for the title of the strongest team. At night, locals gather by the river to float small boats made from banana leaves.

Non-religious events

• International Women’s Day is held annually on 8th March to celebrate the achievements of women through cultural events, exhibitions and festivities.
  
  
• International Children’s Day on 1 June focuses on activities that benefit children. The day is commonly marked with games, music and performances organised by schools and chid welfare organisations.
  
  
• Constitution Day is in August and commemorates the adoption of the constitution. It is celebrated as a national holiday. Also in August, Power Seizing Day marks the 1975 succession of the Pathet Lao, which led to the abolition of the monarchy and the creation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
  
  
• In October, National Teacher’s Day commemorates the famous Lao teacher, Khu Kham, who is known for his dedication to teaching. The nationwide school holiday gives children a chance to prepare gifts for their respective teachers in gratitude of their dedication.
  
  
• In December, Laos National Day marks the date when King Savang Vatthana abdicated, allowing for the establishment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975. Held on 2nd December, visitors can expect to see national flags flown across the city. Speeches and military parades are also typically held on this day.