Pattaya: Nong Nooch Garden in Pattaya, Chonburi Province, organized a grand event to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a carnival parade featuring elephants and lion dances. More than 70 participants joined the procession, which included Chinese angels giving blessings and handing out oranges to tourists in a festive manner.
According to Thai News Agency, both Thai and foreign tourists eagerly participated in the carnival parade. Many took the opportunity to seek blessings from various deities, including Phra Sangkachai, the god of happiness, prosperity, and wealth; Phra Phikanet, the god of success; Goddess Guan Yin, the symbol of mercy; Phra Phrom, the god who grants blessings; and statues of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. These interactions were aimed at enhancing auspiciousness and requesting blessings for the Chinese New Year.
The celebration at Nong Nooch Pattaya Garden also featured musical performances and numerous prizes for attendees. The event is scheduled to run from January 27 to 29, 2025, daily from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In a related event, Pracharat Kindergarten School in Mueang Phitsanulok District hosted an activity to explore Chinese culture in honor of the Chinese New Year. Students dressed in traditional Chinese attire, including cheongsams and red shirts, performed a miniature lion dance. The kindergarten students showed respect to the school's sacred objects before receiving red envelopes from educational administrators. The program also included an Enkor performance and a student choir.