Wat Arun Festival cements Thai culture: 30-10-2007
Bangkok's Wat Arun Festival, which takes place every November, brings together ancient performing arts traditional in Thailand and also helps to fund the Wat Arun Preservation Project to ensure the national historical site is maintained.
The first Wat Arun Festival took place only seven years ago with the theme 'When History Comes Alive' and showcased classic Thai arts such as Hun Luang, Khon Chuk Rok ('flying' Khon court dance), Lakorn Nai, Lakorn Nok, and Nang Yai, which are rarely performed in modern Thailand. A range of authentic Thai cuisine also enjoyed a revival for the first time.
In its second year the event changed to celebrate the multi-cultural society of Siam, which is as tolerant as it is diverse. Chinese and Thai art forms were intermingled, with mask play, Ngiew Chinese opera, puppetry, Krabi Krabong-style acrobatics, Pah Booh and Cantonese lion play all featuring.
The performances reflected the way in which China and Thailand had gained from each other and influenced each other's culture.
This year's theme centres around performing the arts of the Rattanakosin Era, as the Wat Arunrachawararam Royal Grand Temple reflects the Rattanakosin period. While visitors can enjoy the renewed performances of traditional Thai games, sports, and arts, the temple grounds offer stalls with traditional Thai food and handicraft.