Songkran: Thailand's Splashing New Year

festival · water · Thailand · traditions

Water everywhere. During Songkran, people throw water on family, friends, and even strangers to symbolize washing away bad luck and negative energy from the old year. It's one of the wettest parties on Earth!

Three-day party. The official celebration runs from April 13 to 15 each year, though the festivities often start earlier and last longer as people celebrate with their communities.

Respect and fun mix. While Songkran is playful and splashy, it also includes respectful traditions like visiting temples, pouring water gently on elders' hands to show honor, and giving gifts to monks.

Home and community. Families travel back to their hometowns to celebrate together, making it the biggest travel season in Thailand as people reconnect with loved ones and their roots.

Street parades galore. Cities and towns host colorful parades, music stages, and water-splashing contests where everyone gathers in the streets with buckets, hoses, and water guns for the ultimate celebration.