The phenomenal Boun Lai Heua Fai (translation: floating boats of light) festival reached a crescendo with the parade of the 52 fireboats down the main street of Luang Prabang, around the end of the peninsula, and then down the very steep stairs into the Mekong River, where they are set afloat. The festival, held on a full moon at the end of Buddhist Lent, celebrates the end of rainy season, paying homage to the river and water gods, and to float suffering and negativity away. The large boats, made of bamboo, wire, tissue paper, and lit by candles, are made by various villages within Luang Prabang. It is amazing that none of them went up in flames. In addition to the huge boats sent down the river, individual people make or buy little boats made from banana leaves, and decorated with flowers, a candle and joss sticks (incense), and float them down the river as their own personal offering. These little offerings make the river twinkle with light! I think this parade was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.
Fireboat Parade by Candle Light
Temples Decorated for Boun Lai Heua Fai
The temples in Luang Prabang are beautiful every day, but decorated for Boun Lai Heua Fai they are absolutely magical! When I walked into one for the first time, I felt that I had been transported to a fairy land. The festival officially started on a Saturday, and continued through to the parade on Monday. The first night, Saturday, ended up being a little rainy at the end. Sunday was a complete wash-out, with pouring rain and thunderstorms. So disappointing, though I had fun having drinks and dinner with a friend. The weather for the parade on Monday night was perfect. Before the parade reached my end of town, I even had the opportunity to help one of the temples put the lanterns out on the ground and light them. On Tuesday evening, a Facebook post from one of my favorite temples, Wat Pa Phai, alerted me that they were extending the celebration for another night. I quickly gathered up my photo gear, and headed out the door! It was a fabulous evening, the crowds had thinned, people were very respectful, and a peaceful feeling prevailed.
