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.
