Yasothon

Yasothon, Thailand Near the beginning of the rainy season throughout much of northeast Thailand and Laos, villages and municipalities commonly celebrate rocket festivals (called in Thai: ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ Prapheni Bun Bang Fai Tradition of Boon of Bong of Fire). The celebration typically includes three days of music and dance performances, parades, and at least one competitive firing of home-made rockets. In recent years the Tourism Authority of Thailand has helped promote these events, particularly the festivals in the Thai provinces of Nong Khai and Yasothon -- the latter boasting the largest and most elaborate of these festivals. However, local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia. See also Gift culture[1].