Dancing in the Streets, northern Thailand – Colourful Photography

 This is my entry in the Colourful Photography contest by @juliank.   

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Last November, a friend and I passed through the town of Lamphun, in northern Thailand. With the standard temples, a riverside market, and various outdoor food stalls, it’s a typical Thai town.  

Coloured and choreographed … 

On that Sunday, however, much of the town was deserted, and there was little traffic on the streets. We soon learned that there was to be a celebration / festival of sorts in the large municipal park.

Prior to the start of the main attraction, many citizens from throughout the region would dance in the streets surrounding the park, in well-choreographed, colour-coordinated groups of dancers.   

… with a smile 

Before the dancing began, the performers spent hours practicing, preparing, and dressing up in brilliant traditional clothing. As this lady awaited the start of her group's performance, she was kind enough to strike a joyful pose for me – complete with a radiant smile.