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January 2025 Press Release


The Thai New Year Songkran Festival. Hollywood, California is a vibrant celebration of Thai culture, held annually in the heart of Thai Town along Hollywood Boulevard. Here’s a detailed overview:

What is the Songkran Festival?

  • Songkran marks the Thai New Year, traditionally celebrated from April 13 to 15. It is renowned for its water-splashing activities, symbolizing purification, renewal, and washing away bad luck.
  • The festival also includes traditional Thai customs, such as offering food to monks, visiting temples, and performing water blessings for elders.

The Songkran Festival in Hollywood

  • Location:
      • It is typically held on Hollywood Boulevard, between Western Avenue and Normandie Avenue, in Thai Town—home to a vibrant Thai-American community.
  • Activities:
      • Cultural Performances: Traditional Thai dances, live music, and Muay Thai (Thai boxing) demonstrations.
      • Food and Vendors: A variety of Thai street food, beverages, and artisanal crafts.
      • Water Play: While the Hollywood event may not feature water-splashing as prominently as in Thailand, it still captures the spirit of Songkran.
      • Religious Ceremonies: Traditional offerings to Buddhist monks, water blessings, and activities promoting Thai traditions.
  • Community Spirit:
    • The festival is a major event for Thai Town, attracting thousands of attendees, including locals and tourists interested in experiencing Thai culture.

The Miss Songkran USA Beauty Pageant is a highlight of the Thai New Year celebrations in the United States, particularly in cities with large Thai-American communities like Los Angeles. This event is part of the broader Songkran Festival, held in conjunction with cultural, religious, and entertainment activities.

Overview of Miss Songkran USA

  • Purpose:

  • The pageant celebrates Thai beauty, culture, and tradition.

  • It aims to promote Thai heritage and encourage young Thai-American women to connect with their cultural roots.

  • Participants:

  • Contestants are typically young women of Thai descent who showcase their talent, grace, and knowledge of Thai culture.

  • They are judged on various aspects, including traditional Thai attire, talent performances, and their responses during Q&A segments.

  • Highlights:

  • Cultural Representation: Contestants often wear exquisite traditional Thai outfits (chut thai) and demonstrate their understanding of Thai customs.

  • Talent Show: Performances may include traditional Thai dances, music, or modern creative interpretations.

  • Final Round: The crowning moment includes the announcement of “Miss Songkran USA,” who often participates in community events and serves as an ambassador for Thai culture.

  • Awards:

  • Winners receive crowns, sashes, and prizes, along with the honor of representing the Thai-American community.

  • Titles like “Miss Popular Vote” or “Best Traditional Costume” may also be awarded.

Connection to Songkran Festival

  • The pageant is typically held during the Songkran Festival in Thai Town, Hollywood, California, or other Thai communities across the U.S.

  • It draws a large audience and is a highlight for both Thai and non-Thai attendees, showcasing the beauty and elegance of Thai culture.

The Miss Songkran USA Beauty Pageant is not just a competition; it is a cultural showcase that reinforces the pride and identity of the Thai diaspora while inviting others to appreciate the richness of Thai traditions.

The Health Fair is often an integral part of the Songkran Festival in locations such as Hollywood, California or Thai Town events, offering valuable services and promoting well-being within the community. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:


The Health Fair

The Health Fair is organized as part of the cultural and community-focused events of the Songkran Festival. Its primary goal is to provide access to health resources, promote wellness, and engage attendees in health education.

Services Offered

  • Health Screenings:

  • Free or low-cost basic health checks, such as:

  • Blood pressure measurements.

  • Blood sugar and cholesterol testing.

  • BMI and weight assessments.

  • Health Education:

  • Information on common health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer prevention.

  • Guidance on nutrition, exercise, and mental health.

  • Specialized Services:

  • Vision and dental screenings.

  • Immunization clinics (flu shots or other vaccines).

  • Mental health resources and counseling.

  • Traditional and Holistic Health:

  • Some fairs may include Thai traditional medicine or wellness practices, such as:

  • Herbal remedies.

  • Thai massage demonstrations.

  • Meditation workshops.

  • Community Resources:

  • Connections to local clinics, hospitals, and healthcare providers.

  • Support for underserved communities, including access to free clinics and insurance guidance.

  • Cultural Context:

  • Incorporates Thai values of health and well-being, aligning with the spiritual renewal themes of Songkran.

 

Muay Thai at the Songkran Festival

  • Purpose:

  • To promote Thai culture and the art of Muay Thai, which is often called the “Art of Eight Limbs” due to its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins.

  • To entertain and educate the audience about Thailand’s national sport.

  • Activities:

  • Demonstrations: Professional fighters or students from local Muay Thai gyms showcase techniques, including striking, clinching, and defensive moves.

  • Exhibition Matches: Friendly matches between fighters highlight the skills and strategies involved in Muay Thai.

  • Workshops: Occasionally, interactive sessions allow attendees to learn basic Muay Thai techniques from experts.

  • Cultural Context: Demonstrations often include traditional rituals, such as the Wai Khru Ram Muay, a pre-fight dance performed as a mark of respect to teachers and ancestors.

  • Atmosphere:

  • The matches are accompanied by traditional Sarama music, played live or recorded, which adds to the authentic Thai ambiance.

Why Muay Thai is Significant

  • Muay Thai is more than a sport; it is deeply rooted in Thai culture and history, symbolizing discipline, respect, and strength.

  • The demonstrations and matches at the Songkran Festival connect attendees to Thailand’s rich heritage.

Local Muay Thai Gyms

The festival often collaborates with local Muay Thai gyms or training centers in Los Angeles. Some well-known gyms that might participate include:

  • Muay Thai Academy USA in North Hollywood.

  • Kings Muay Thai or other prominent local gyms.

What to Expect

  • Engaging displays of athleticism and skill.

  • Opportunities to learn about Muay Thai’s techniques and cultural significance.

  • An exciting addition to the Songkran Festival’s mix of cultural, religious, and entertainment activities.


A beer garden at the Thai New Year Songkran Festival is a lively and popular attraction for adults, offering a space to relax, socialize, and enjoy beverages while soaking in the festive atmosphere. It complements the vibrant cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences of the festival.

Features of the Beer Garden

  • Selection of Beverages:

  • A variety of Thai beers, such as Singha, Chang, and Leo, are often featured.

  • Imported beers, craft beers, and other beverages like wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options may also be available.

  • Cultural Atmosphere:

  • The beer garden typically reflects Thai hospitality and charm, with decor inspired by Thai culture.

  • Live music, cultural performances, or DJ sets may add to the festive vibe.

  • Food Pairings:

  • Adjacent food stalls or a designated dining area often offer Thai street food to pair with drinks.

  • Popular pairings include spicy Thai dishes like som tam (papaya salad), grilled meats, and fried snacks.

  • Socializing Spot:

  • The beer garden provides a space for festival-goers to unwind and connect with others in a laid-back setting.


The Parade at the Thai New Year Songkran Festival is one of the most colorful and anticipated highlights, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and festive spirit of Thailand. Held in Hollywood, California, or other cities with large Thai-American communities, the parade is a central part of the Songkran celebrations.

Features of the Songkran Parade

  • Traditional Thai Elements:

  • Floats decorated with traditional Thai motifs, flowers, and cultural symbols.

  • Participants dressed in elaborate chut thai (traditional Thai attire), including costumes representing different regions of Thailand.

  • Cultural Performances:

  • Live performances, such as traditional Thai dances, musical acts, and martial arts (e.g., Muay Thai demonstrations).

  • Some floats may feature performances, such as dancers or musicians playing traditional instruments like the khim or ranat ek.

  • Religious Significance:

  • Some segments of the parade may include Buddhist monks, carrying images of the Buddha or other religious artifacts, to receive blessings from attendees.

  • Community Involvement:

  • Local Thai organizations, businesses, schools, and cultural groups often participate with their own floats or walking groups.

  • Non-Thai groups are sometimes invited to join, reflecting the multicultural nature of the event.

  • Festive Activities:

  • Water sprinkling along the parade route, symbolizing blessings and renewal, is common (but less intense than in traditional Songkran celebrations in Thailand).

  • Traditional Thai umbrellas, flags, and flower garlands enhance the visual appeal.

Parade Route and Schedule

  • The parade usually takes place on Hollywood Boulevard in Thai Town, between Western Avenue and Normandie Avenue.

  • Specific times vary, but it is typically scheduled in the early afternoon during the Songkran Festival, allowing attendees to enjoy other festival activities before and after.

Significance of the Parade

  • Cultural Showcase: The parade is a platform for Thai-Americans to display their pride in their heritage and share their culture with a wider audience.

  • Community Celebration: It fosters unity among the Thai community and builds bridges with other cultural groups.

  • Tourism Attraction: The vibrant and visually stunning parade draws visitors from all over, contributing to the festival’s popularity.


Additional Songkran Celebrations Nearby

  • Wat Thai of Los Angeles in North Hollywood:

    • A popular temple for celebrating Songkran with more traditional religious and cultural activities, such as merit-making, almsgiving, and cultural shows.

Why Celebrate in Hollywood?

  • Hollywood’s Thai Town is the cultural hub for the Thai-American community in Los Angeles.

  • The Songkran Festival promotes cultural exchange and showcases the richness of Thai traditions to a diverse audience.


Upcoming Events

For the 2025 Thai New Year Songkran Festival in Hollywood, scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025, expect The Miss Songkran USA Beauty Pageant, and Muay Thai to remain a key attraction. Specific schedules and participants will be announced closer to the event.

    • The 16th Annual Thai New Year Songkran Festival is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025.

      • The event is free and open to the public.

      • It’s organized by Thai New Year Songkran Festival (a non-profit organization) and other local Thai organizations.

         

  • For 2025, Miss Songkran USA Pageant is held as part of the Thai New Year Songkran Festival in Hollywood.

    Expect Muay Thai to remain a key attraction. Specific schedules and participants will be announced closer to the event.

  • A beer garden is likely to be part of the event, as it has been a recurring feature in past years. Location: Always within a designated area on Hollywood Boulevard, separate from the main cultural and family-friendly zones.

  • The parade is expected to be a major feature of the 16th Annual Thai New Year Songkran Festival, scheduled for Sunday, April 27, 2025. from 8AM-10PM.

If you plan to attend, make sure to check for updates from thainewyear.org the event’s official websites  and social media pages for schedules and details!