All posts tagged: Lao New Year

Events: Lao New Year, Lao Diaspora and the big 40

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This month couldn’t be more crammed with all kinds of Lao’d events, happenings and celebrations. Don’t miss some of the biggest events of the year. Here’s the lowdown: Lao New Year Temple blessings, water fights, grilled chicken ass, and a lot of lum vong-ing. These are the national celebrations happening across the states. Kudos to some of the Lao communities at streamlining communications better this year. We got a mixed bag of events listings, flyers, photos of flyers and the usual word-of-mouth. GEORGIA:  Georgia’s Lao American community has been actively engaged with their temples. Check out this comprehensive list of festivities.   TEXAS: Although some of the festivities have passed, check out the temples in Fort Worth and Royse City. (Updated) CALIFORNIA: International Lao New Year in San Francisco has just passed. This weekend is in Modesto. No word from the community there yet on details, but will keep you posted. SAN DIEGO:April 11-12 – Wat Lao Boubpharam April 18-19 – Wat Lao Buddharam  April 18-19 – Tai Lue Lao New Year – Lion Hall April …

10 things you need to know for Lao New Year

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It’s Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) this April 14-16th on the Buddhist calendar and the BeerLao is flowing, water attacks are happening, and your parents are nagging you to finally Spring clean the house. Whether you’re in the states or in Laos, here are ten basic ways to make sure your pi mai is fun-filled in ultimate Lao-style. 1. Waterproof your valuables (and yourself). Keyword: plastic bags. Double-zipped Zip lock bags are even better. Keep everything you value that will die from water in closed plastic bags. I hear (unused) condoms work amazing for touchpads, but that’s totally a personal preference. Water damage is more of a threat in Laos, since you can’t control the truckloads of people (typically kids) constantly ambushing you with pails of cold water. Just be ready for it. 2. Get your Lao New Year gear ready. Think light and easy to hang dry, ’cause you will be wet. Local Lao wear anything with dok champa (Laos’ national flower the plumeria) and anything tropical. If you’re in the US, it’s pretty much …