Festivals in February 2000

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Festivals in February 2000

Mae Jaem District Dteen Jok Weaving Festival
February 5-7, 2000

The district of Mae Jaem is somewhat off the beaten track for visitors, but is worth going out of your way for, especially during the 5th to 7th of February, at the time of the annual Weaving Festival. Mae Jaem is famous for the Dteen Jok weaving style used to create the wraparound ladies garment known as Bha Zin, the traditional tube skirt. Bha Zin Dteen Jok is unique because of its elaborate hem. The main body of the tube skirt is woven in horizontal stripes, but beginning at about knee level, an elaborate decorative pattern is woven in, using the Jok technique, consisting of intricate geometric designs. The last few inches of the tube skirt below the decorative stripe, ending at the hem, are woven in a plain color, usually red.

A visit to Mae Jaem during the festival is a rewarding experience. You will be able to see the weaving techniques demonstrated, and prize fabrics will be on display. Fabrics will also be on sale at very reasonable prices, giving you the opportunity to acquire examples of this uniquely northern Thai craft.

If you intend to visit Mae Jaem, it is recommended that you combine this with a visit to Doi Inthanon, Thailand's highest peak. The road to Mae Jaem goes over the shoulder of the mountain, and then winds down the hill, through beautiful pine forests, before reaching the district town in a broad, winding valley.

At 10 am on Sunday, February 6, there will be a procession of floats staged under the slopes of Doi Inthanon. As with all Thai festivals, there will be music and an abundance of food stalls, so a visit would be both an educational and enjoyable experience.

Chiangmai's Annual Flower Festival
February 4-7, 2000

One of Chiangmai's most spectacular festivals takes place in early February of each year, the Annual Flower Festival, which takes place from February 4th to 7th this year. This is one of Chiangmai's premier tourist events, attracting visitors from all over Thailand, and overseas as well. The city is resplendent with floral decorations, and there are flower show competitions for prizes, performances of traditional music and dance, a beauty contest, and the centerpiece of the festivities, the Flower Festival Parade on the second day, Saturday, February 5th.

February is the ideal time for flower viewing and cultivation in Chiangmai, as it is still cool enough that the temperate climate flowers, such as roses and chrysanthemums are still blooming, and also Chiangmai's famous orchids. All of these and many more will be used to bedeck the beautiful floral floats which are the highlight of the annual parade, when private sector companies and associations and government agencies from all over the province compete for coveted awards.

This year, the flower exhibitions and landscape competitions will be held at nearby Buak Haad Park, located in the southwest corner of the old city, inside the moat and walls. These will begin at 8:00 am on Friday, February 4th at Buak Haad Park, and can be seen throughout the festival. The official opening ceremony will take place at 5:00 pm, followed by music and dance performances by the College of Dramatic Arts, Chiangmai.

The second day of the festival, starts with the annual parade of bands, marching groups and the beautiful, flower-laden floats. The parade starts at 8:00 am from the Nawarat bridge and proceeds down Thapae Road, Kotchasam Road, Boonruangrit Road, and Arak Road, ending at Buak Haad Park. Here all the floats are parked and will be on exhibit until the end of the festival. This is your opportunity to view the floats up close and see the intricate craftsmanship which goes into the making of each one. And, it provides the perfect opportunity for picture-taking as well. It is recommended that you secure a viewing spot for the parade early, as the streets are always crowded for this event. At 2:00 pm, at the park, the new Flower Queen will be crowned and the results of the judging of the floats will be announced. This will be followed by a program of traditional music and dance at 7:00 pm.

"Sa Toke Chang" - Elephants' Khantoke Dinner, Evening
February 4-6, 2000

The sixth Elephant Sa Toke Fair takes place at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center to the northwest of Lampang town in Hang Chat District. Sa Toke (Khantoke) is the northern form of dining seated on the floor around a circular table, and this is the world's biggest such event. Additionally, there are incredible working elephant shows, the elephants' Satoke parade, the feeding of the elephants and exhibitions of local culture and tradition.

The elephants perform at 5:00 pm on all three days. The Sa Toke (Khantoke) dinners are served at 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday evenings, February 4th and 5th.

Second Annual Chiangmai Marathon Run
February 6, 2000

This event takes place at the 700 Year Anniversary Stadium on the north side of Chiangmai. The event is divided into 3 segments. At 4:30 am, the 41 Km marathon begins, then the 21 Km half-marathon starts at 5:30 am, followed at 6:00 am by the 10 Km mini-marathon. The awards ceremony for all three events will take place at 8:30 am at the stadium.

"Nop Phra Len Pleng"-Cultural Fair in Khampaengphet
February 18-20, 2000

Join the annual "Nop Phra Len Pleng" cultural fair in Khampaengphet Province. See procession of revered Buddhist statues, evening light and sound performance at Wat Phra Sri Iyarabote, ancient folk games and sports competitions plus village bazaar.

Amazing Akha Light and Sound Show, Chiangrai
Feb. 28, 2000

The Chiangrai Tourism Society presents the Amazing Akha Cultural Show complete with light and sound effects at the Akha Hilltribe Center. The performance takes place on Saturday: February 26 and March 25. The Thai language show is at 18.30 hours and the English language follows at 19.30 hours. Individual prices are Baht 450 including a meal. Reserve early with Chiangrai Tourism Society, 590 Phaholyothin Rd or call at (053) 740989, 711339, 713918.

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