Chiang Rai News
This Years Akha Swing Festival Attracts Huge Number of Tourists in Chiang Rai
CHIANG RAI – Akha People from six hill tribes staged a two-day festival this weekend in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sarong district. The festival attracted a huge number of tourists.
The festival, which began on Saturday, featured hill tribe costumes, shows, and various activities about their daily life and culture.
Among the highlights was the Swing Ceremony. The Akha people usually stage this ritual to show their gratitude to the Goddess of Abundance and pray for good yields. The ceremony was also accompanied by celebrations and dancing.
Tourists could also buy tribal products from locals.
Hill tribe people from as many 26 villages took part in the event.
The Akha Swing Festival is one of the most important annual events for the Akha people. Chiang Rai Province has the highest density of people of the Akha hill tribe in Thailand.
The Akha migrated from China to Thailand more than 100 years ago. If you want to witness this event you will have to travel to Chiang Rai. The festival doesn’t have a fixed date. It’s celebrated at different dates in different villages.
By Prasert Thepsri
The Nation