I’m going to take you back to a vibrant celebration that lights up the town of Bo Sang (sometimes spelled Bor Sang) every year. The Bo Sang Umbrella Festival, a tradition held on the third weekend of January, showcases a side of Thailand that many travelers yearn to see – a rich tapestry of culture expressed through color, craft, and community spirit.
In January 2024, from the 19th to the 21st, Bo Sang, a village not far from Chiang Mai famous for its exquisite handcrafted umbrellas, became a pageant of hues and happiness. Picture the streets lined with delicate, hand-painted parasols, their bright colors and intricate designs unfolding like stories against the sky. These aren’t just accessories; they are works of art, each telling a tale of local heritage and artisanal pride.
If you’re wondering how this festival came to be such a phenomenon, it’s important to understand the symbiosis between Bo Sang’s history and the humble umbrella. Crafted by skilled artisans for generations, the Bo Sang umbrella has become more than a shield against the rain; it is a symbol of the ingenuity and grace of Thai craftsmanship.
This isn’t just about admiring the umbrellas though. That’s going to include witnessing the skilled hands of artisans as they carefully assemble and paint each umbrella, creating not just shade but tradition. The festival pays homage to these everyday artisans, turning their craft into a full-blown fiesta that invites the world to witness their artistry.
And so, as the umbrella stands as a motif of the celebration, the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival unfurls a tapestry of Thai culture in action. In my opinion, that’s a spectacle not to be missed. Now, let’s explore how the festival’s abundance of activities, from the parades to the performances, creates an unforgettable experience that triumphantly paints the essence of Thailand.
Note: The Bo Sang Umbrella Village is about 10 km (or 6.2 miles) east of Chiang Mai. There are not many hotels in Bo Sang, so I stayed in Chiang Mai, and took a short Tuk Tuk there and back. Bring local currency (Thai Baht) when using the Tuk Tuks.
Below are some pictures I took during the 2024 Umbrella Festival.
