Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2007 Preparations

Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2007 is just a few days away. It is by far the biggest event of the year in Ubon. This is the high season for tourism and it's hard to find a room or get transportation to here during this period.

Many traditional activities connected to this festival have already begun at the local temples. One example of this is the candle procession in the evenings. There are other activities such as giving cloth and candles to monks for them to use during the upcoming rainy season.

The focal point of the celebratory activities is downtown on the grounds of the Provincial Office and Tung Sri Muang Park. The Candle Festival parade, showcasing the large candle sculptures submitted by the temples, will proceed along Chayangkun Road between these two locations. Bleachers are being set up on the street for the guests to sit and watch the parade. Soon the songtaews will be rerouted due to some streets being blocked.

Activities have already begun on the grounds of the Provincial Office. If you go there to visit you will see vendors hawking their wares from stalls, games of chance set up where you can win a doll or a bottle of beer, rides (mostly for kiddies) set up and food, food and more food. The activities here began July 21 and will continue through July 30.

Across Chayangkun Road at Tung Sri Muang park they are still in the process of erecting tents but will be finished soon. The sign saw stated at the park activities will be 27-30 July.

If you are here in Ubon I hope you enjoy the festival. If you aren't here it might be possible to get here and get a room. This is the last big event before going into semi-hibernation for the upcoming rainy season. Come one, come all and experience Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2007.

Photos of Candle Festival preparations:

Bleachers on Chayangkun Road for watching Candle Festival Parade in Ubon Ratchathani

Tung Sri Muang Park being prepared for Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

Food Vendors Ready to go for the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival on the Provincial Office grounds

Kids will love these rides at the Provincial Office grounds for Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

Win a doll or a bottle of beer playing games of chance at the Provincial Office grounds during Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival

The vendors are ready to sell you something at the Provincial Office grounds during the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival