We were delighted that we arrived in time to participate in the Chiang Mai Mardi Gras, The celebration has nothing to do with Fat Tuesday or Carnival. The Thais just borrowed the term for a celebration they have in the Night Bazaar area. It marks the beginning of the tourist "high" season. Thanon Chang Klan, the street that runs through the night market area is closed to vehicular traffic, and tables and stalls are set up on the street advertising or selling various items. The stands at the regular Night Bazaar are in operation, so it's one big shopping street. Among the activities at Mardi Gras that we took part in are a beauty contest and a huge parade which were on separate night. The parade was very long. It probably lasted three hours for it to tottle down Chang Klan, but we walked along the route of the parade thereby seeing the floats and bands and groups as they waited to march. I've divided the photos of the parade into three albums. This is album number two.
Click a picture to see a larger view.
Decorated Vehicle
Small Band
Banging the Traditional Drum
Group of Boys
Sign Carriers
Drum Beaters
Dancers
Young Girl Group
Drums
Boys Group
Sign Carriers
Lanna Banners
Butterfly Dancers
Lion Dance
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Another Costumed Boy on Horse
Another Group
A Mardi Gras Princess
Another Mardi Gras Princess
Leading Another Group
Another Princess
Yet Another Princess
Another Group
A Group of Dancers
Butterfly Dancers
Northern Group
