Pakse: Pakse City is preparing to celebrate Lao New Year (B.E. 2569) with a series of major cultural and tourism activities from April 14-16, 2026, aimed at preserving national traditions while boosting the local economy.
According to Lao News Agency, Chairman of the Pakse City Administration Committee, Mr. Souvixay Sisomvang, announced that the celebration will feature a variety of cultural, religious, and tourism-focused events. A prominent event in the pre-festival schedule is the Lao-Vietnamese Food Festival, set for April 3-5 at Lak 2 Stadium, which will showcase local cuisine and traditional dress.
The festivities will include religious and cultural observances such as almsgiving, Baci ceremonies, and New Year blessing rituals for current and former leaders. These will be followed by communal ‘Samakhi’ meals to promote unity among participants.
The main celebration is scheduled for April 14, beginning with a grand procession at 4:00 PM. This parade will include eight themed processions, featuring the sacred Buddha image procession for ritual bathing, the Nang Sangkhan parade symbolizing the seven daughters of Kabinlaphom, and Pakse’s signature Grand Pha Khwan procession. Various groups, including tourism operators, financial institutions, businesses, students, and local residents, will participate, with more than 2,500 people expected to join.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, three main roads will be designated as ‘Cool Shade Streets’ for water celebrations from April 14-16, including the Mekong riverside area, Siri Somboun Road, and Phonexay Road. City authorities are calling on residents, officials, and businesses to help ensure safety, order, and a welcoming environment for visitors.
Officials have also extended an invitation to both domestic and international tourists to experience the cultural richness and hospitality of Pakse and Champasak Province during one of Laos’ most important traditional festivals.