"Phi Ta Khon Festival 2004, Dan Sai, Loei Province" Dan Sai Travelogue by Rodan44

Phi Ta Khon festival is held annually in the town of Dan Sai, Loei Province, Northeastern Thailand. The festival supposedly has Buddhist origins but appears more based on animism. During the three day festival, locals dress up as ghosts with large elaborately painted masks and then parade all around town causing a lot of mischief and merriment. The festival coincides with the start of the rainy season, and the theme of fertility is not so subtley expressed through the use of large wooden phalluses being waved around and poked at onlookers. So be warned if you plan to take your children to the festival because you may have some awkward explaining to do. The entire community takes part, young and old, men and women, and the rice whiskey flows freely, ensuring that everyone has a wild time.