TAT Elevates Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival into a Signature Thailand Event

The Tourism Authority of Thailand enhanced the 125th Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival with contemporary cultural experiences, illuminated installations and two specially designed “Mamuang in Thai Costume” sculptures, strengthening the festival’s position as an internationally recognised cultural tourism event.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, or TAT, joined local partners in elevating the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival 2026, one of Thailand’s most celebrated Buddhist and cultural traditions.

Marking its 125th anniversary, the main festival activities were held from July 28–30, 2026, at Thung Si Mueang in Ubon Ratchathani province. The programme combined traditional candle craftsmanship, religious heritage and local performances with creative lighting, contemporary art and immersive visitor experiences.

The initiative formed part of TAT’s strategy to transform prominent local events into Signature Thailand Events capable of attracting domestic and international travellers, generating economic value and distributing tourism income to local communities.

From Local Tradition to Signature Thailand Event

The Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival is one of three cultural events selected for TAT’s pilot Signature Thailand initiative.

Through its Event Marketing strategy, TAT aims to strengthen the potential of Thai cultural festivals by combining traditional identity with contemporary creativity and visitor-focused experiences.

At the Ubon Ratchathani festival, illuminated decorations, cultural landmarks and interactive activities were introduced throughout the event area. These additions helped create a distinctive atmosphere during both the daytime and evening while encouraging visitors to spend more time exploring the destination.

“Mamuang in Thai Costume” Becomes a New Cultural Landmark

One of the festival’s major attractions was a pair of three-dimensional sculptures featuring Mamuang, a popular character reimagined in contemporary Thai costumes.

The sculptures were presented in two designs: one reclining on a traditional cushion and another performing a classical Thai dance pose.

Created in pink and green tones, the installations drew inspiration from Ubon Ratchathani’s identity as the “City of Beautiful Lotuses.” Their decorative bases incorporated elements inspired by mosaic patterns, coloured glasswork and traditional Benjarong porcelain, reinterpreted through a modern artistic approach.

The illuminated sculptures served as new photography and check-in landmarks while connecting younger audiences with Thai art and cultural heritage through contemporary pop culture.

Light and Sound Performances Illuminate Ubon Ratchathani

TAT also introduced decorative lighting and a Light & Sound Spectacular under the theme “Ubon Ratchathani: Land of Civilisation to the World’s Meditation City.”

The performances combined cultural storytelling with visual effects to present the history, beliefs and distinctive identity of Ubon Ratchathani.

The shows took place at Thung Si Mueang on July 29–30, 2026, with four performances scheduled each day, adding a new dimension to the city’s evening tourism experience.

Visitors could also participate in an ART SPACE programme held from July 25–30. Activities included applying gold leaf to fabric bags, candle casting, candle carving and creating decorative candle flowers, allowing tourists to experience local wisdom and traditional craftsmanship firsthand.

More Than 40 Candle Sculptures Join the Festival

The wider Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival was held from July 25–31, 2026, through cooperation between government agencies, private organisations, local communities, temples, schools and candle artisans.

The procession featured 46 competitive candle sculptures and one exhibition piece. Entries represented three major candle-making styles: traditional candles, moulded candles and carved candles.

More than 37 cultural performance groups from temples and educational institutions across the province also participated in the procession.

Five main viewing areas were prepared along the parade route, with more than 5,000 seats provided to the public free of charge.

The major programme began with the candle gathering ceremony on July 28. The royal candle and royal bathing cloth procession took place on July 29, followed by the official opening ceremony and award-winning candle procession on July 30.

Visitors were also able to continue viewing the candle sculptures at Thung Si Mueang from July 31 to August 1, 2026.

Cultural Activities Continue Throughout August

Ubon Ratchathani’s cultural tourism programme extends beyond the main candle festival period.

The province also organised the “Ganesha Blessings: Unseen Glowing Field of Faith” event at Ubon Ratchathani Zoo, featuring nighttime activities from July 25–31 and daytime activities scheduled from August 25–30, 2026.

The “Ubon Candles Throughout the Month” programme is being held from August 3–17, 2026, at Wat Phra That Nong Bua. Visitors can view examples of the province’s three major candle styles, shop for local OTOP products and enjoy traditional cultural performances.

These extended activities aim to encourage longer stays, strengthen local tourism businesses and provide visitors with more opportunities to experience the artistic and spiritual heritage of Ubon Ratchathani.

 

 

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand