The northeastern province of Loei is about to host an international mask competition from March 17 to 19. The festival will showcase the cultural attractions of the province that borders Laos. Organisers hope to indicate guests the charming environment and vibrant colors of Loei on the three-day event.
Guilt-free will host the opening ceremony on March 17 at 6pm. The space is positioned within the Kut Pong Public Park. Carnival masks from seven Asian nations – Cambodia, China, Laos, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand – shall be highlighted in a parade.
In addition, visitors can witness the “Masks of Three Ghosts” efficiency that embodies Loei’s cultural identity. These embody Phi Ta Khon, Phi Khan Nam, and Phi Bung Tao.
The Phi Ta Khon serves as a means of exhibiting respect to the spirits of ancestors. The costumes are made up of masks and attire manufactured from bamboo steamers and fabric remnants are sewn collectively. The masks are intricately painted to look funny and scary, with long, pointed noses made of wood and horns made from dried coconut husks.
The masks known as Phi Khan Nam, which bear a resemblance to buffalo heads, are crafted from wood sourced from cotton and milkwood timber. Intricate and historic patterns are painted onto these masks. They symbolize a hairy water ghost.
In distinction, Phi Bung Tao is a massive masks created using gourds and is mounted atop flags woven within the traditional style.
Light and sound shows, outdoor water curtains, and musical fountains will also be displayed, including color and pleasure to the pageant. And for the Instagram era, there will be designated areas for photos with two- and three-dimensional street art and vibrant three ghosts masked characters.
Finally, no competition is full without food stalls. The market in Loei will feature native delicacies, fusion food, cooking demonstrations, cultural merchandise, domestically woven fabrics, and materials tailored particularly for international vacationers. Additionally, a walking street will be set up to display Thai artwork and provide memento handicrafts on the market.
The Office of Contemporary Art and Culture in Loei and the Ministry of Culture have organised the masks pageant. Tourism Authority of Thailand, Rajabhat University, and Loei’s municipality additionally aided in internet hosting the occasion. Other contributors from the provincial government include the cultural office, the chamber of commerce, and the cultural council.
The highlight of the three-day event shall be seeing and learning in regards to the three ghosts tradition of the Loei locals. Phi Ta Khon is believed to be a way of summoning the spirits of the ancestors, who’re believed to have become guardian angels of town and will bless the earth with fertility or curse it with famine..