The Zhonghe Songkran Festival on April 10th –

April is the Thai New Year, and the most important Songkran Festival celebrations are well-known events. Locals in Thailand also enjoy a three-day holiday, taking to the streets to join in the festivities. But now, those who want to experience Songkran don’t need to go abroad — they can head to Huaxin Street in Zhonghe District, New Taipei City, to enjoy the fun of the festival and “may fortune come with water”!

Experience the charm of Songkran right here in Taiwan. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government)

Songkran is the New Year celebration for Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. Huaxin Street in Zhonghe District is home to a large community of Burmese Chinese, earning it the nickname “Burmese Chinese Street.” The annual Zhonghe Songkran Festival in April has become a major event in New Taipei City. The 2011 Zhonghe Songkran Festival will take place on April 10th. In addition to showcasing the diverse cultures of Myanmar, Laos, the Philippines, and other countries, this year there will be no use of fire trucks. Instead, an “imagery-based water-splashing sculpture pool” and water sprinklers will be used, featuring designs such as elephants and swans, allowing participants to truly experience the blessing-filled act of water sprinkling.

The Chiang Mai Songkran Festival.

Beyond the fun of water splashing, the event will also feature art and cultural exhibitions, family-friendly performances, and booths set up by non-profit organizations offering games. Participants who collect three stamps on their challenge vouchers can exchange them for food or water guns, and also enter a lucky draw with a chance to win round-trip tickets to Myanmar or Thailand.