TAT elevates Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to Signature Thailand Event - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has elevated the 125th Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession to the status of a Signature Thailand Event, reinforcing its role as one of the country's most important cultural celebrations. Held from 25 to 31 July at Thung Si Mueang, with the main festivities taking place from 28 to 30 July, this year's festival combines traditional Buddhist heritage with new interactive and evening experiences designed to attract a broader international audience.

Celebrating a living cultural tradition

Rooted in the Buddhist Lent tradition of offering candles to temples, the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession has grown into one of Thailand's best-known cultural events. Today, it showcases the craftsmanship of elaborate wax sculptures while reflecting the dedication of temple communities, candle artisans, educational institutions and local residents who have preserved the tradition for more than a century.

“The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Procession has earned its standing through the faith, craftsmanship and collective effort behind it. TAT is giving this living heritage a stronger platform by pairing its cultural foundations with contemporary presentation and meaningful participation. This will broaden international awareness, encourage longer stays and channel greater tourism value to local communities, artisans and businesses,” said Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT.

The festival is one of three regional traditions that TAT is promoting as Signature Thailand Events, alongside the Nakhon Phanom Illuminated Boat Procession and the Christmas Star Parade in Sakon Nakhon, as part of its strategy to strengthen Thailand's cultural soft power.

New attractions enhance the visitor experience

To mark the anniversary, TAT is introducing a series of new attractions. The main festival venue at Thung Si Mueang will feature decorative lighting throughout the event, while visitors can enjoy four nightly light-and-sound performances on 29 and 30 July inspired by the history and cultural identity of Ubon Ratchathani.

Another new highlight is the installation of two illuminated three-dimensional sculptures of the popular Thai cartoon character 'Nong Mamuang' at Lan Thian Chaloem Phra Kiat. Displayed from 23 July to 13 August, the sculptures combine contemporary pop culture with traditional Thai costume and lotus-inspired design.

Visitors can also take part in hands-on workshops at TAT's ART SPACE between 25 and 30 July, where local artisans will demonstrate candle carving, wax-flower making and traditional gold-leaf decoration.

Grand procession remains the centrepiece

The main programme begins on 28 July with the Candle Gathering, bringing together 47 spectacular wax creations, including one showcase candle and 46 competition entries across the traditional, moulded-wax and carved-wax categories.

On 29 July, the royally bestowed Buddhist Lent candle and monastic bathing cloth will be carried in procession from 08.29, followed by elaborate candle floats, dance performances and traditional folk entertainment. The official opening ceremony on 30 July will also begin at 08.29, followed by another grand parade and the Phanom Phra boat procession from Surat Thani.

More than 37 dance troupes representing temples and educational institutions across the province will participate over the two main festival days. Visitors will have access to more than 5,000 complimentary seats at five designated viewing areas.

Month-long programme celebrates local heritage

The celebrations extend well beyond the main procession. Award-winning candles will remain on display on 31 July and 1 August at Thung Si Mueang and the City Pillar Shrine.

Additional events include visits to temple communities where visitors can observe candle-making traditions, the "Candle Road of Dharma" featuring local markets and One Tambon One Product displays, the "Stories of Ubon Ratchathani" light-and-sound performance, the illuminated "Ganesha Barami UNSEEN" candle-flower installation at Ubon Ratchathani Zoo, and a month-long exhibition of ceremonial candles at Wat Phra That Nong Bua.

Image Credit: © TAT