Elephant Festival

Elephant Festival

Mid-February

The Elephant Festival is held annually in February in the Paklay district of the Sayaboury province in northwestern Laos as a celebration of the Asian elephant. Co-sponsored by the non-profit ElefantAsia conservation organization, the festival also exists to raise awareness of the increasing threat of extinction that faces the 50,000 elephants throughout Asia. Activities at the event include a majestic parade of more than 70 elephants; offerings of fruit and flowers; an elephant race, show, and museum; a traditional elephant Baci ceremony; as well as the chance to see elephants at their bath. In addition, there are such activities as a tug-of-war contest, a drawing competition, film, music performances, food stalls, and a night market.

CONTACTS:
ElefantAsia
c/o OTIEC
22 rue de l'arcade
Paris 75008 France
www.elefantasia.org
Lao National Tourism Administration
Tourism Marketing and Promotion Dept.
P.O. Box 3556
Lane Xang Ave.
Hatsady Village, Chanthabouly District, Ventiane Capital Lao PDR
www.tourismlaos.gov.la