Samui Island Festivals and Events

Samui Island Festivals and Events !!
Songkran (Thai New year):
The Songkran is the most high-spirited festival in the Thailand. It is a public holiday that is held over three days from the 13th-15th April, and celebrates the beginning of the Thai Buddhist New Year. The throwing of water originated as a way to pay respect to people, by capturing the water after it had been poured over the Buddha's for cleansing and then using this "blessed" water to give good fortune to elders and family by gently pouring it on the shoulder. The water is meant as a symbol of washing all of the bad away and is sometimes filled with fragrant herbs when celebrated in the traditional manner.

Loi Kratong:
Thailand's waterways rivers, klongs, even hotel swimming pools will be ablaze with dazing lights on the evening of Nov. 14, when the Kingdom celebrates "Loy Krathong" one of the year's most-awaited festivals. Loi" means "to float" and a "krathong" is traditionally made from a section of banana tree trunk.

Buffalo Fighting Festival:
Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the best-known festivals on Ko Samui is its Buffalo Fighting Festival, which is held on special occasions such as New Years Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bull-fighting, the fighting on Ko Samui is fairly harmless. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The buffalo are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gold-painted leaves. Before the contest which lasts just two rounds, monks spray them with holy water. The winning owner typically takes home millions of baht in prize money.

The Fisherman's Village Festival:
This five-day festival is celebrated with fun, music and food. The music is usually played by well-known artists and food tents sell inexpensive cuisine provided by local hotels.

Samui Regatta:
The Samui Regatta is a sailing tournament, held every year. The tournament is internationally known and competitors come from as far away as Australia, Singapore, Japan and China. This event, for boats of all sizes and shapes, began in 2002.

Triathlon Event:
The International Triathlon Union organizes this event every year. This event in Ko Samui draws more than five hundred participants from around the world. The event attracts competitors and visitors as well as locals. This event actually has never taken place and was promoted via a website only.