The Chiang Mai Flower Festival is an annual celebration held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, that showcases a variety of flowers and ornamental plants. The event marks the transition from the cool season, over three days on the first weekend of February.[1] It features prominent displays of yellow and white chrysanthemums and damask roses, which are unique to the region.[2]
The Flower Festival Parade is an event that takes place annually on a Saturday morning and continues into the afternoon or evening. The parade begins at Charoen Muang Road, stretching from Nawarat Bridge to the train station, and at 16:00, it moves along Tha Phae Road towards Tha Phae Gate. Subsequently, the parade route veers left, following the perimeter of the city moat to Suan Buak Hat Park. Characterized by its leisurely pace and regular pauses, the parade features floats adorned with flowers. These floats are accompanied by marching bands from local schools, adopting a Western-style format, as well as local drumming ensembles and dancers in traditional Thai attire. These participants also engage in performances and distribute flowers to the spectators.
A part of the festival is the Miss Chiang Mai Flower Festival competition. Participants, often atop the decorated floats and carriages within the parade, compete for the title. The selection process begins in the late afternoon at a party featuring rock music and refreshments, culminating in the evening with the crowning of the Flower Festival Queen.