Lovey floats everywhere in this section.
I don't think this hill tribe girl was impressed by everyone photographing her. She's Akkha I think.
Another group of the Hill tribes "Ethnic Minorities" as the Government calls them. These ladies are 'White Karen'. Although they are somewhat alienated by Thai society (in general), they turn out in force at Festivals and parades. As I mentioned somewhere else, again in general, they get a raw deal, being sidelined to the most menial jobs, and often don't even have citizen rights. Lots of 'them' - I hate using that term, but it's convenient here - don't speak much if any Thai, which doesn't make it any easier for us when we try to commuicate!!
We thought the rear view was more interesting than the front one here. Don't think they're wearing traditional dress though.
This school band was a real 'cool' mob. Fabulous music, swing, rock and roll, the lot, and not a sheet of music in sight. There were 3 marching bands, so lots of noise fun.
Ladies in pink. We were unable to work out what, why or where from, but they make a pretty picture.
and yet more. These are Akha ladies with their distinctive emroidery and silver headgear. One of the oldest ethnic groups in Thailand, Burma, Laos and China.
and yet more. These are Akha ladies with their distinctive emroidery and silver headgear. One of the oldest ethnic groups in Thailand, Burma, Laos and China.
On to one of the floats. It's amazing to see work of putting all the flowrs together. So much patience and sheer endurance would be needed.
A floral chinthe, or temple dog. I would have loved to take him home.
Any opportunity to make a baht. This guy was selling balloons, rattles and drinks.
More Hill Tribe people with their wonderful dress and interesting traditional musical instruments.
and yet more. Real pride in the faces. Good to see.
More ladies in pink...... and no one could say who they were. CWA perhaps??
A general crowd scene looking down Taepae Road, probably the main street into the Old City, down which we go every day, to shop, eat or sightsee. It's usually bedlam with vehicles. You take your life in your hands, crossing the road, as NO ONE bothers with traffic lights or road rules. The big archway with the King's pic on it, is a permanent fixture. You see them everywhere. Photos of him and The Queen and the much loved Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. Not many of the Crown Prince though. Mmmmm?
Back to floats. and even here, His Majesty gets pride of place.
Elegance personified.
And to show a different approach to a flower float, this one was mainly chrysanthemums. Very effective.
Brenton wants the slippers!!!!! The guys looked bored, though perhaps were a bit sullen and self conscious at everyone photographing them and probably because they have a long walk head of them.
Fly Garuda? This one at least would make a safe landing.
Look at the work that would have to have gone into this float. Aren't the naga just superb?
Look at the work that would have to have gone into this float. Aren't the naga just superb?
Oh and here we have the Night Safari van, all dressed up in zebra stripes with tigers and flamingos. Tacky? I'll let you decide. Read on for more info on the Night Safari!!!
Now, this one was a little bit over the top!!
More Hill Tribes people, showing off the men's costumes this time. We're not sure just how traditional the hats are, but black you can wear anything with, so I'm told.
Here we have some more with their traditional musical pipes. Sure, there's a bit of repitition here, for which I apologise. Just want to share these experiences.
You see these costumes for sale all over Chiang Mai, and Northern Thailand in general. These are Akha people. The workmanship is usually good, but, realistically, where would you wear it? I doubt if Rubyvale is ready for me in one of these!!
These two "little old ladies" were in the crowd watching the parade. We often see them working at a food stall in their 'street clothes', but today they got dressed up. We snuck a quick photo and they ladies gave a rather enigmatic smile as if to say "We know" which was returned, and I got a big grin!!
and now we have.............. Chiang mai's answer to Rose Hancock!!!!! Porteous or whatever she calls herself now. Well, that was our immediate thought when she came along twirling her pipe major's whatever a pipe major twirls. She threw that baton waaaaaay up in the air and caught it. The guys behind her never missed a beat. Wonder why???
Yet more young Hill Tribe ladies, dressed in their best finery.
Yet more young Hill Tribe ladies, dressed in their best finery.
We weren't sure what they were doing but it was something religious I think. She was carrying the flowers and he had to ensure that the umbrella was over them all the time.
Now isn't he just something else?? Who he was, we didn't again know. Our knowledge of Thai culture has many, many holes in it! but what an outfit. I think the mo was painted on..... and so serious.
Perhaps he thought if he smiled it'd all fall apart.
NOW!!! Get your thinking caps on. Look at the pic and tell us, what it means! What has guys on ATV quadbikes in fake First Nation costumes ( US Indians ), and war paint to do with 1) Thailand and 2) a Night Safari?? and as for the girls in their suede tassles and zebra stripe camoflage, well, we still have no idea, but we had a good laugh. They too were have fun and that's what it's all about I suppose. As B says "Grrrrr Pussycats"
Don't you just love the huge pink bowties, pink shoes, and the windmills on top of their hats which whirred away as they walked. They sure were a crowd pleaser. You just could help but smile smile smile.
and they didn't play 78 trombones!!
Now isn't he just something else?? Who he was, we didn't again know. Our knowledge of Thai culture has many, many holes in it! but what an outfit. I think the mo was painted on..... and so serious.
Perhaps he thought if he smiled it'd all fall apart.
NOW!!! Get your thinking caps on. Look at the pic and tell us, what it means! What has guys on ATV quadbikes in fake First Nation costumes ( US Indians ), and war paint to do with 1) Thailand and 2) a Night Safari?? and as for the girls in their suede tassles and zebra stripe camoflage, well, we still have no idea, but we had a good laugh. They too were have fun and that's what it's all about I suppose. As B says "Grrrrr Pussycats"
Don't you just love the huge pink bowties, pink shoes, and the windmills on top of their hats which whirred away as they walked. They sure were a crowd pleaser. You just could help but smile smile smile.
and they didn't play 78 trombones!!
Happy happy. They were having a ball but appeared serious. Occasional smiles but in general great concentration. Whoever made their costumes must have started last year there were sooo many members of the band. I think they were from Payap University here in Chiang Mai.
A general view of the park where the Festival parade ended up and where all the stalls and exhibits were - before the crowds surged in. It's a lovely spot inside the Old City.
And back to the parade. Here's the "blue ladies" perhaps THEY were from the CWA, and not the "red" ones. Whoever they were, there were hundreds of them, all with their poles with the flowers on top.
And just in case you'd forgotten, they're all made of flowers
And just in case you'd forgotten, they're all made of flowers
It would have to be a reenactment of something mythical or historical, but the little Prince and his pony weren't too comfortable amongh the noise and bustle. The guy with the umbrella couldn't keep it over them, and the chap leading the pony's outfit detracted somewhat from the overall effect, but it's a small point.
Lovely ladies with lovely cattleyas. ( Orchids).
More young men carrying more flowers.
A bit of colour from banners carried in the parade
and the ladies with the red parasols
Heaven knows what these gharries, as they are known in Burma, were doing in this parade, but the occupants had lots of flowers, so why not.
And the vegetarians. Needs no more explanation I think
More young men carrying more flowers.
A bit of colour from banners carried in the parade
and the ladies with the red parasols
Heaven knows what these gharries, as they are known in Burma, were doing in this parade, but the occupants had lots of flowers, so why not.
And the vegetarians. Needs no more explanation I think
And just to prove that I really was there................ I don't think the guys she was leading were sure what was happening.
I hope she isn't a blushing bride looking for a nice husband !!!
And as Peggy Lee would have said "Is that all there is to a Flower Festival? Then let's keep dancing, let's break out the booze and have a BALL"!! Yipeeeee.
That's all for the flowers............no more we promise.
But stay tuned for the next adventure..............
Back to Burma in March.
