Surin, which is located in North East Thailand, holds every year a colorful festival dedicated to elephants. The old festival started in 1960 and is held on the third weekend of November (Saturday – Sunday). The residents of Surin have an ancient tradition of raising and taming elephants as working animals.
In the last years, the economic value of the elephants as working animals decreased so their growth changed to entertainment requirements. On the first day of the festival, on Saturday, a magnificent parade, with the participation of more than 200 elephants takes place. The school pupils and teachers join the parade with dance, music and songs.
At the ending point of the parade, in Elephant roundabout, on Prasat Way the elephants get breakfast. The elephants arrive to counters full of vegetables and fruits and eat all of it with good appetite.
This is a unique tourists’ attraction. On Sunday, the second day of the festival, the elephants are gather in Surin Elephant Show Stadium to a central show that includes restoration of battles from the former decade performed by “warriors” riding on elephants. 2010 Events SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP RED CROSS FAIR
November 11 - 20, 2010
At Srinarong Stadium SURIN ELEPHANT ROUND-UP & ELEPHANT SHOW
November 13 - 14, 2010
At the elephant arena
|
