Boun Bang Fai: Rocket Festival- symbol of Laos

 

The first time I ever was aware of Laos as an individual country outside of simply being a name on a map next to Thailand and Cambodia was when I watched the The Rocket (2013). The film ends in the main character participating in a rocket festival. Ever since the rocket festivals of Laos have stayed in my mind as symbolic of the country. Showcasing the communities of the villages, the beauty of the area and the history and traditions of cultures in Laos.

While the festival has become an attraction for tourists it still is largely a community affair which brings together different villages. Boun Bang Fai is the biggest rocket festival in Laos. It occurs over the sixth Lunar month usually around May or June. As with most cultural events in Laos, the roots of the festival lie in Buddhist traditions, specifically the story of the 'Toad King’. The festival focuses on trying to beckon rain and to celebrate fertility. It is often a baudy affair with men dressing in women’s clothes in order to ‘anger the gods’ and various humour is drawn from the festival being focused on fertility with phallic images abounding. The mix of music, dances and street processions makes it an exciting affair.

The festival is also free to attend so for a student of you can get there for the right dates it can potentially be a very thrifty sight to see. it's great bang for your buck (pun intended). Just be warned that the festival is infamous for poor safety standards. But if you're willing to risk it you'll potentially be able to witness a festival exploding with local humour, history and colour.