Food, fireworks and family capture the buoyant spirit of the Loy Krathong festival as it returns to Parramatta for another year. Traditionally held on the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar, participants release decorated lanterns into the river to symbolise the floating away of their worries as they ring in a new wave of happiness and prosperity.
Head chef Sujet Saenkham of Surry Hills staple Spice I Am will return this year to lead a special cooking demonstration – kids are also invited to make their own rice paper rolls. If you prefer your meal ready made, there’ll be plenty of stalls selling all your favourite Thai dishes and desserts, which you can wash down with a sugar cane juice or a Singha.
There’ll also be workshops and demonstrations in traditional dance, Muay Thai boxing and other elements of Thai culture.
As always, the festival’s highlight is the releasing of krathong into the river after sundown (around 7.30pm). Then, watch your troubles drift away as the firework display colours the night sky.