Buriram Festivals

Apart from religious holidays, Songkran Day and the New Year, the people of Buriram has many interesting traditions such as the Fifth Month Festival in which there is merit-making and folk pays such as Saba and tug-of-war. In some areas, like Phutthaisong, there are processions and candle contests during the Buddhist Lent. The Loi Krathong Festival is also widely celebrated here.

Buri Ram Kite Festival

is held during the harvest season when the northeast monsoon winds blow across the region. Villagers come out to fly kites at this time and the festival is now and annual event. Buriram had its first kite festival in 1986. Villagers from around the area are invited to come and fly kites for prizes. A kite must be over 2.5 meters wide to be eligible. Kites are judged by their beauty, sound - making and flying styles. A grand kite procession is well worth seeing.

The festival's venue is the Provincial Stadium, Amphoe Huai Rat, and is held in the second weekend of December.

Buri Ram Long Boat Races

An annual event held in the first weekend of November. The competition is held on the Mun River when the water level is highest . Teams from nearby and afar come to race in front of Amphoe Satuk District Office to vie for a trophy awarded by His Majesty the King and H.R.H. princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

Originally a local event to enhance friendship and pay homage to Chao Pho Wang Krut (a whirlpool in the Mun River), the event became a yearly event in 1986. Over 50 boats regularly complete and join in fancy boat processions. A highlight of the races is the elephant swimming contest. Something to watch is also the elephants parading through the city to the accompaniment of lively music.

Phanom Rung Festival

Held every April to pay homage to the replica of Lord Buddha's footprint in the sanctuary. A number of activities are organized to preserve the ancient culture of the province such as the Procession of the Ancient Khmers, a light -and-sound show recounting Phanom Rung's past and a Hope By Dinner.

Phra Chao Yai Wat Hong Fair

is held every February to pay homage to this most sacred Buddha image for the Buriram people. Celebrations go on for three days and include a variety of entertainment.