Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee and Lao president was among those celebrating the Songkran New Year parade in Laos on April 14.

The Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai Lao or Songkran, is being celebrated this year from April 13-18. A launch ceremony was held in front of the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang.

“May China and Laos enjoy peace and prosperity and may the China-Laos friendship last forever,” the Chinese embassy said in a message posted on its official WeChat account on April 12

Khamkhan Chanthavisouk, governor of Luang Prabang province, and Luang Prabang city mayor Viengthong Hatsachan delivered New Year messages on behalf of the organizer and also announced the start of the parade.

During the event, Thongloun had a brief conversation with Zhang Sheping, the consul general of the Chinese Consulate General in Luang Prabang. Thongloun dipped a branch into the scented water of flowers and sprinkled water to the guests as a gesture of blessings. Zhang also followed the local custom to sprinkle water to express his wishes and respect.

Representatives from various districts of the Luang Prabang province took part in the parade. They were dressed in Lao traditional costumes and marched in an orderly manner behind the floats and banners. Drums and music were played as the crowd cheered to welcome the parade participants. Newly crowned Miss Songkran of the Year 2024 also made an appearance on a green peacock-shaped float at the parade’s grand finale.

The parade is one of the biggest celebrations of the Lao New Year, which is usually attended by the country’s leaders.

To mark the festival, the Chinese embassy in Laos sent greetings to Lao people and overseas Chinese in the country.

“May China and Laos enjoy peace and prosperity and may the China-Laos friendship last forever,” the embassy said in a message posted on its official WeChat account on April 12.