Every year Chiang Mai has the Loy Krathong Festival. The original purpose was to ask for forgiveness from the river for polluting all year and to give thanks to the river spirits. People put small little floats with flowers and candles into the river and light paper air balloons that get sent up into the sky. Nowadays it seems more romantic in which couples put the floats into the water together which is believed to tie them together in this world or the next. There are also parades and other events taking place. The Chiang Mai parade was filled glowing floats and ladyboys but I also had the opportunity to go to a small town, Sapatong, parade and festival. It was completely different and very charming: very little glitz. They also had a beauty pageant and a dance contest. Can you tell which pictures are from the city versus the small town?
