The annual Star Festival, one of Thailand’s most anticipated events, officially launched on the evening of Dec. 22 in Tha Rae, a Catholic community in the northeastern part of the country.
The festival, which celebrates Christmas, is renowned for its grand displays of star-shaped decorations and festive lights, transforming the area into what locals affectionately call the “Land of Stars.”
Running until Dec. 26, the event draws thousands of visitors to the lakeside town, where the celebrations feature a unique blend of religious services, cultural performances, and a vibrant open-air market.
The highlight of the festival—the star procession—began on Dec. 22 with elaborately decorated star rafts floating along Nong Han Lake, accompanied by smaller boats bearing illuminated stars.
A Tradition Dating Back Over a Century
The history of Tha Rae’s Christmas celebrations dates back to 1884, when a group of families of Vietnamese and Laotian descent, led by French missionary Xavier Guego, settled in the area.
Seeking a new home, the group sailed out of the city center in makeshift boats, guided by the wind, and eventually landed on the forested shores where Tha Rae stands today.
The town’s unique layout—a mix of contemporary buildings, French colonial-style architecture, and Vietnamese and Chinese decorative elements—reflects the diverse heritage of its people and stands as a testament to the community’s rich cultural history.
Today, Tha Rae is home to the largest Catholic community in Thailand, and the Star Festival is a key expression of the faith and spirit that define the town.
The festival features intricate star-shaped decorations on buildings, streets, and boats, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem that marks the birth of Jesus Christ.
The vibrant atmosphere and stunning light displays have become a major draw for tourists who come to experience the town’s historical charm and festive spirit.
A Spirit of Sharing and Celebration
Fr. Chalermsin Chanla, pastor of St. Michael Cathedral in Tha Rae, explains that the stars are a symbol of both the Christian faith and the joy of Christmas.
“Aside from Christianity being an integral part of life in Tha Rae, the stars represent the high spirit of sharing peace and joy that Christmas brings,” he said.
The Star Festival is not only a time for religious reflection but also a community celebration of togetherness and goodwill.
Peter Nikhom Kaiyaraj, a parishioner of St. Michael Cathedral, shared his pride in being part of the community.
“I help make the colorful stars every year, especially at my colonial-style house,” he said. “The cool temperature of 17°C last night added even more to the festive atmosphere. I’m excited to see thousands of visitors come from far and wide to join in the celebration.”
A Growing Attraction for Tourists
The festival’s appeal is not just limited to locals. Tha Rae’s unique city planning, which includes a grid of streets that allows visitors to easily explore the area, has also attracted many tourists.
Visitors can wander along parallel roads, taking in the mix of wooden houses, shophouses, and colonial-style buildings, all adorned with stars and lanterns in honor of the holiday.
From Dec. 23 to 26, vehicles decorated with stars will take to the roads, offering tourists an opportunity to admire the decorations and capture the festive atmosphere in photos.
The procession, which stretches about one kilometer, is expected to be a spectacular sight, with thousands of onlookers lining the streets to watch the floats and vehicles pass by.
As the Star Festival continues to grow in popularity, it remains a beloved tradition for the people of Tha Rae, bringing both locals and visitors together to celebrate Christmas in a community steeped in history, faith, and joy.
All photos by Peter Nikhom Kaiyaraj
