Loy Krathong: Another Day, Another Internationally Famous Holiday in Thailand

Giving My Sins a Not-So-Clean Goodbye

My class was in the early evening, so I headed straight from school to the nearby canal. Although usually a popular means of transportation, the boats stopped running early so the krathongs could be released without the surging swells of garbage water that usually accompany the water taxis. All along the canal were bands playing music, crowds of families, and vendors selling elaborate and handmade floats that made mine look like I’d assembled it in an unlit closet. I headed to the nearest pier for a smooth launch of my “basket.”

Ryan Farley / Own Work

On my walk to the pier, I felt what I thought was a large insect hitting me on the cheek. Before I could raise a hand to swat it away, the skies opened up and informed me of what had actually happened: Monsoon. Like I’ve seen a hundred times before, this commonplace occurrence didn’t result in even the slightest hesitation of the locals.

Bands packed up their instruments and moved the performance beneath bridges and awnings, vendors relocated their tables underneath trees and jury-rigged shelters, and Loy Krathong continued without hesitation.

Ryan Farley / Own Work