2016 Elephant Festival to be held from 19-21 February in Xayaboury

[Lone Rider]

2016 Elephant Festival to be held from 19-21 February in Xayaboury

The 10th annual Elephant Festival will be held next month (19-21 February) at the stadium in Xayaboury district, Xayaboury Province according to the Vice Governor of Xayaboury Province, Mr Yanyong Sipaseuth. “This year 67 elephants will be used in the festival and there will be a variety of activities including an elephant beauty pageant, an elephant Baci ceremony, an elephant bathing performance and elephant riding around the town,” he continued. There will also be a trade fair at the festival which will have a display of products from nearby provinces and several overseas businesses from Vietnam, China, and Thailand.

The elephant festival is held to celebrate the history of Laos which once had a large population of elephants, and also the relationship between elephants and Lao people. Laos was once given the name Lao Lanexang which means “Land of a million of elephants”. Xayaboury Province currently has the largest population of elephants accounting for over 75 percent of the elephant population. The Elephant Festival is organised to raise awareness about the need for action to protect the Asian elephant as part of the vital cultural and natural heritage of Laos and other countries in the region. It is also to help promote Lao culture and lifestyle as well as promote the tourism industry in Laos.

Source: KPL News 11 January 2016

A short video of last years festival which was also held in Xayaboury

Copyright "Lonely Planet"

 

[Lone Rider]

Xayaboury Prepares for Annual Elephant Festival

Almost 70 elephants will feature in Xayaboury’s annual elephant festival from February 13-19, aiming to promote the province’s colourful culture and local livelihoods. The aim of the festival is preserve the culture and livelihoods of Lao people who work with elephants. Elephants are a longstanding part of the nation’s history and have been an integral part of Lao life since ancient times.

Deputy Governor of the province, Mr Yanyong Sipaseuth, who also is a member of the event organising committee told media recently the 11th elephant festival will take place from February 13 to 19 at Xayaboury district stadium with the official opening being held on February 17. Every year, provincial authorities plan many activities to celebrate the festival and this coming February 68 elephants will take part in events such as a grand parade, a baci ceremony, and even a beauty contest. The animals will also demonstrate their skills and the close relationship they have with their mahouts.

Source: Vientiane Times, December 7, 2016