Adventures in Parramatta: Loy Krathong

Another weekend, another Parramatta festival. This time its the Thai water festival Loy Krathong,  a yearly festival held at the Parramatta river foreshore to celebrate the ties between Australia and Thailand. This was my first Loy Krathong - it always seemed to clash with something else.  But this year, I was free so off to Loy Krathong I went.

Loi Krathong is a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand and certain parts of Laos and Burma (in the Shan State). The name could be translated "Floating Crown" or "Floating Decoration", and comes from the tradition of making boyant decorations which are then floated on a river.

The night is full of lights and water. And apparently Thai food. The powers that be decided to crowd all of the food stands on one side of the foreshore - crammed in together. Which meant the lines were horrendously long. Additionally the signage was difficult to read and prices a little on the high side.

On the plus side - there was plenty to see and do. Here are my pics:

my attempt at a handmade Krathong

the VIP guests getting ready to launch their Krathongs.

the first Krathongs are launched........

Thai dancers

After the VIP krathongs are launched, the rest of the crowd were able to launch their own.

Under the Barry Wilde bridge......