Los Angeles’ version of Songkran Festival took place on April 10th. Matador snapped some photos at the festival, a much more tame version of its Thai counterpart.
ANYONE WHO’S BEEN to Songkran festival in Thailand will tell you one thing: Accept that you’re going to end up soaking wet because even the most innocent looking child has a water gun behind their back, ready to have at you. Los Angeles’ Songkran is less spectacle and much more about a gathering of the town’s Thai population.
Thai Town on Hollywood Boulevard marks the spot
Thai Town on Hollywood Boulevard marks the spot.
A proud display of Thai music with beaming elders in the audience.
A proud display of Thai music with beaming elders in the audience.
Dessert to die for.
Shaved ice with fruit flavoring and sweet, condensed milk.
Clearly men with swords can cut the coffee line.
Clearly men with swords can cut the coffee line.
Vendors made papaya salad for the masses, not holding back on the spice factor.
Vendors made papaya salad for the masses, not holding back on the spice factor.
People walked the street in costume, even at the bus stop.
People walked the street in costume, even at the bus stop.
Traditional song and traditional outfits.
Traditional song and traditional outfits. Behind? The traditional liquor store.
Much like in Thailand, health codes seemed to have gone out the window for at least a day.
Much like in Thailand, health codes seemed to have gone out the window for at least a day. Skewer upon skewer of meat was sold.
Kids had a great time.
Kids had a great time, with many arts and crafts tables just for them.
Longtime craftswomen proudly displayed their talents in booths.
Longtime craftswomen proudly displayed their talents in booths.
Advertisers took every advantage, from billboards to sample-giving.
Advertisers took every advantage, from billboards to sample-giving.
Tom Gates
Tom is a wayward writer based in Los Angeles. He has served as Editor for both Matador Nights and Life. He loves to go far, far away whenever possible. He is also pretending to be a third person right now and is obviously writing his own bio. He knows that you knew that, despite the deft maneuvering of pronouns.
