Laos: Lao New Year

Laos's Lao New Year, known as "Pi Mai," heralds a time of joyous festivities and cultural renewal. Celebrated in April, it marks the end of the dry season and the beginning of the traditional Lao agricultural year. The festival is characterized by vibrant street processions, water fights, and temple visits where people pay homage to their ancestors. Symbolizing purification and renewal, water is splashed on friends and family to wash away the past year's misfortunes. Pi Mai is a time of spiritual reflection, community bonding, and the welcoming of a prosperous new year.