Sixth or seventh lunar month, exact date set by mediums (between March and July).
Dan Sai, Loei Province Festival
The Ghost Festival is part of Bun Luang, a three-day event held in Dan Sai, of Loei province in Isaan. The date varies from year to year, but it always falls sometime between March and July.
Ghosts on Parade
Phi Ta Khon takes place on the first day of this event. Locals dress up in flambouyant costumes, including ghoulish homemade masks. People in ghost costumes parade through the streets, and the party lasts into the late hours. The parade and parties commemorate Prince Vessandorn, a previous incarnation of the Lord Buddha. The prince went on a long trip, and everyone thought that he was dead. When he reappeared, villagers were so excited that their raucous celebration woke the dead.
Contests and Rockets
On the second day of the festival, the action moves into local temples. There are dance contests and prizes awarded for the best masks. Homemade rockets are also launched. On the third day, the atmosphere calms, and everyone gathers in the temple to listen to a sermon.