Vientiane Boat Racing Festival Planned for October 17-18, 2024

Source: Vientiane Times

The annual Boat Racing Festival, which follows the end of Buddhist Lent, will take place on October 17-18 and is expected to draw large crowds to the riverfront to enjoy the popular spectacle.

The event is also viewed as a boost to the local economy, with numerous vendors setting up stalls to sell a wide range of locally made goods.

The Governor of Chanthaboury district, Mr. Duangta Soulivong, who is chairman of the 2024 Boat Festival Organising Committee, said the boat races will be preceded by the offering of sacred items on October 11 to mark the end of Buddhist Lent and a second ceremony to mark the occasion at 3-4 am.

This will be followed by candlelight processions at temples and fireworks to honor Lord Buddha, while small model boats will be set afloat on the Mekong on the evening of October 17.

The boat races themselves will take place on October 18, kicking off at 8 am, followed by the presentation of prizes at 4 pm.

From October 12-18, vendors will set up stalls in the area of Chao Anouvong Park, with most lining Fa Ngum Road between Pakpasak Technical College and the crossroads at Mahosot Hospital.

Stalls selling the popular grilled sticky rice in bamboo tubes and barbecued chicken will be located in front of the Lanexang Hotel, as well as a range of other stalls.

Security guards from Chanthabouly district will be on duty round the clock and officials will also be on duty in villages, offices and organizations throughout the city to ensure the security of premises and public safety.

Security checks will be set up at 19 points in the inner city and at 19 other locations, manned by 828 people in total.

Mr. Duangta said certain prohibitions would be in place, including any illicit form of advertising, the sale and carrying of all types of weapons, and the sale of imitation Lao clothing.

It is also forbidden to sell or advertise goods outside the area designated for this purpose by the organizing committee.

The sale of obscene or pornographic material is also banned and those who do so will be given a written warning. The distribution of flyers or other advertising material is also banned, as well as advertising involving dancing girls. Mini-concerts are also prohibited.

Vendors who are awarded a concession to set up a stall at the festival must not sell their pitch to another vendor.