Lanta Festival
In a world where culture and religious differences often divide communities and countries, Ko Lanta provides idyllic proof that people of diverse and varied ethnic groups can live together in peace and harmony for hundreds of years, welcoming foreign visitors with their arms open in welcome.
The LAANTA LANTA FESTIVAL, held every year in Lanta Old Town around March, is a celebration of this harmony and a chance for locals and visitors to enjoy unique cultural facets still prevalent on this unspoiled island today.
Authentic food and traditional entertainment is the mainstay of any Thai celebration and the Laanta Lanta festival doesn’t stray from this successful formula, with an abundant choice of delicious snacks and meals available throughout the three days. You can enjoy traditional local coffee and exotic drinks while sampling a wide variety of local cuisine at over 50 food and beverage booths.
Performances of Rong-Ngen, the traditional music and dance of the ancient Sea Gypsies, can be enjoyed on the main stage, as well as acts presented by groups from all over Thailand. A second beachside stage features contemporary jazz and reggae performances nightly, in a relaxed party atmosphere.
Protection for a safe and happy event is sought by the Sea Gypsy ritual of casting bad spirits out into the sea, at a traditional boat floating ceremony. Side-street cultural booths display and demonstrate the making of traditional arts and crafts including Pa-the, traditional Muslim cloth weaving and Toi-pa-nun, a handicraft made from Toi leaves. Other booths throughout the festival grounds feature organizations and individuals dispersing information about special projects on the island.
Dates of the 2009 Laanta Lanta festival have been confirmed as March 7th, 8th and 9th. We look forward to seeing you there!
