KOREA FOUNDATION

Festivals with a long history of different traditions buildup many layers of stories over time. They allow us to better understand a country’s culture and customs. Perhaps the reason the festivals of ASEAN often capture the hearts of foreigners is that they provide an experience of the region’s diverse history and culture.

Water festivals are among the most well-known traditional cultural festivals in Southeast Asia. The New Year’s celebrations of Songkran in Thailand and Thingyan in Myanmar are famous for participants splashing water on one another, and Cambodia’s water festival “Bon Om Touk” is known for its dragon boat racing. The dragon boat racing competition has a thousand-year tradition. Held in November at the end of the rainy season, Bon Om Touk was originally meant to thank the river for its rich blessings and to wish for the following year’s harvest. More than 400 dragon boats, decorated with various colorful patterns, gather in Phnom Penh each year to race the murky waters, creating a spectacular view.

Religious events also offer up some of the most memorable impressions of Southeast Asia. In Laos, where 70% of the population is Buddhist, the That Luang Festival is the biggest Buddhist event. That Luang refers to a golden stupa that houses Buddha’s and also represents Laos. The That Luang Festival is held each year on the day of the full moon in the twelfth month of the Laotian lunar calendar(which usually falls in November of the solar calendar). You can witness the solemn sight of monks from all over the country marching to That Luang and asking for alms. At the festival, ethnic minorities and Laotians in traditional costumes mingle together, showcasing the Buddhist spirit of peace and unity.

Meanwhile, in countries with large Muslim populations, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, Ramadan is important. Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which celebrates the end of the Ramadan fasting period, is the biggest holiday in Islamic culture. One of the best-known festivals during this time is held in Brunei. At the end of Ramadan, Bruneians celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri by inviting relatives and acquaintances to share food. The Brunei royal family also opens the royal palace to the people for three days of celebrations. At this time, the sultan serves food to all visitors and shakes hands one by one. During the celebration period, the entire nation grows excited, with more than 100,000 of its 450,000 people visiting the palace to meet with the sultan.

Now, let’s head to Indonesia, The country with the largest Muslim population in the world is also home to, Bali, which has a strong Hindu tradition and actively celebrates Hindu-related customs and events. In July, the streets are bustling for the Bali Art Festival, which brings together the essence of Balinese culture. This festival a great opportunity to enjoy colorful street parades decorated in Balinese style and various art performances that showcase Bali’s many charms.

Southeast Asia is a popular destination for people around the world. Its nature, such as the sea and forests that hold ancient mysteries, seem to be the main attraction. But in addition to a pristine natural environment, the people of ASEAN also boast long histories and rich cultures. Once you experience the festivals embedded with this heritage, Southeast Asia will entice you even further.