Feast of the Black Nazaren / Philippines

Manila, Philippines

In a tradition that dates back to the 17th century, the citizens of Manila congregate at the city's Quiapo Church for the religious Feast of the Black Nazarene festival. Walking barefoot as a sign of humility, men carry the life-size statue of the Black Nazarene - a representation of Christ - through the city streets and all the onlookers scramble to try and touch the figure. Those that do get close enough to touch the Black Nazarene are thought to be blessed after which it is believed miracles can happen and illnesses cured. The event is an incredible sight that attracts Christians from all over the country. The figure itself was brought from Mexico by a priest in 1606.

Contact Information:

Philippines Department of Tourism
Room 207 DOT Building
TM Kalaw Street
Ermita
Manila
Philippines
Telephone: +63 (2)524 2345.
Email: ncr@tourism.gov.ph
Website: www.tourism.gov.ph

Kuraldal

Pampanga, Philippines

Held during the same week as the Sasmuan town fiesta, Kuraldal is a huge religious festival that attracts Christian devotees from across the region. It takes place at the chapel of St Lucy, with participants taking part in a series of impassioned dances that begin in the evening and last through until well after midnight. It is said that on this night God grants the wishes of the dancers and many associate the event with fertility as it's believed infertile women are able to fall pregnant after the event.

Contact Information:

Philippines Department of Tourism
Room 207 DOT Building
TM Kalaw Street
Ermita
Manila
Philippines
Telephone: +63 (2)524 2345.
Email: ncr@tourism.gov.ph
Website: www.tourism.gov.ph

Songkran in Thailand

The Songkran festival celebrates the Thai New Year with three days of parades and beauty contests, while the drenching of passers-by with water from buckets, pitchers, water-guns and balloons is almost obligatory.

The festival is a much more public, street-based affair than more family-oriented celebrations like Chinese New Year. This means it's an ideal festival to visit as a tourist, and something of a must-see.

The celebration of water during the festival is a common feature of the agricultural cultures of South East Asia. In the past, scented water was used mainly for blessings and paying respect to the elders; nowadays, it's more of a free-for-all.

The festival starts with Wan Sungkharn Long, which, like the Chinese New Year preparations, involves house cleaning and sweeping out the old in preparation for the New Year. The next day, Wan Nao, sees the preparation of food for the following day's religious ceremonies. It's also traditional for people to go down to the riverbank and make chedis - little pagodas made of sand and decorated with flowers and streamers - each grain of sand is said to wash away a sin.

The third day, Wan Payawan, is celebrated as the first day of the new year. There are early-morning ceremonies in the temples, with offerings of food and clothing, while at home images of the Buddha are cleaned with scented water. This is also the day when the water-throwing starts.

Customs and traditions vary regionally, and some areas have their own alternative legends about the origin of the festival. April in Thailand can be very hot indeed (hence the popularity of water throwing), and, while Bangkok has huge celebrations, we recommend you get away from the capital and head for Chiang Mai - "the capital of Songkran" - which, with the possible exception of Laos, is the best place in the world to witness the event.

Name:                Bangkok Tourist Division        

Location:             Thailand       

 Address:             17/1 Phra Athit Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200       

Email:                info@bangkoktourist.com       

Phone:                +66 (0) 20 2225 7612 4       

Fax:                    +66 (0) 20 2225 7615 6                       

Name:                 Tourism Authority of Thailand        

Location:              Thailand        

Address:               1600 New Phetburi Road, Makkasan, Rajatevee, Bangkok 10310        

Email:                center@tat.or.th        

Phone:                +66 (0) 2250 5500       

Fax:                     +66 (0) 2250 5511