HUA HIN, THAILAND – Drums thundered on Monday afternoon as the seaside town celebrated the arrival of the Year of the Horse with golden dragons and a giant pan of lucky noodles.
City turned streets into a stage
The city administration completed the final details of the program and, from 16:00, officials and artists turned the streets into a stage for Chinese customs. Their aim remained clear: the municipality wanted to preserve traditions while presenting them to visitors from around the world.
Year of the Horse set a dynamic tone
This year, the Horse ruled the zodiac, symbolizing energy and progress. Those hoping for positive change were told they could find a starting point in the coming festive days, as organizers fully embraced the dynamism of this powerful sign.
God of Wealth led the main parade
The parade formed the heart of Monday’s events, beginning at 16:00. From that hour, Chai Sing Yeh, the God of Wealth, and other deities accompanied the procession. Golden dragons and silver lion dancers swirled along Phetkasem Road while the drums set the rhythm for the year ahead.
Offerings lined the route to the park
The route ran from the town hall to Phon Kingphet Park. Along the way, business owners and families set up offering tables and invited the gods to pause at their doors in hopes of prosperity and good fortune to carry them through the next twelve months.
Children took over the evening stage
In the evening, the focus shifted to the Bluport shopping mall. There, a jury selected the most charming youngsters in the “Little A-Tee and Ah-Muay” contest, while students from city schools performed traditional shows and demonstrated that the old culture continued to live on in the minds of the young.
Giant wok served lucky noodles for all
The culinary highlight came at the end, when cooks stirred lucky noodles in a gigantic pan and handed them out free of charge to visitors. The meal was regarded as an omen of a long life, and as the last dragons danced, the festival ended with full stomachs and good spirits.