Rocket Festival

A Rocket Festival (Thai:ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ Prapheni Bun Bang Fai, Lao:ບຸນບັ້ງໄຟ Bun Bang Fai') is a merit-making ceremony traditionally practiced by ethnic Lao people throughout much of Isan and Laos, in numerous villages and municipalities near the beginning of the wet season. Celebrations typically include preliminary music and dance performances, competitive processions of floats, dancers and musicians on the second day, and culminating on the third day in competitive firings of home-made rockets. Local participants and sponsors use the occasion to enhance their social prestige, as is customary in traditional Buddhist folk festivals throughout Southeast Asia.