Boat Racing in Nan

For centuries, long-boat races have been held annually in provinces with a major waterway running through them. Long-boat racing is one of the traditional rites which commemorates the end of the Buddhist Rains Retreat. It takes place mainly in the 10th and/or 11th lunar months (around September/October) when the water level is at its peak. At present, long-boat racing is considered a national sport. Its history can be traced back to the Ayutthaya period, some 600 years ago. In that time, boat racing was only a way to keep boat teams fit for national defense.
Racing boats are usually made from dugout tree trunks and can accommodate up to 60 oarsmen (commonly dressed in the same colour) in a double row. The festival event attracts hundreds of spectators. Trophies and prizes are given to the winning teams at the end The races on the Nan river are colourful and unequaled because the racing boats are brightly adorned with imaginatively designed prows. The cheering squads on the river bank are usually rumbustious and joyful...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan%2C_Thailand

Traditionnellement, les régates se tiennent une fois par an dans les provinces où coule une voie navigable importante... Pour la suite, voir :
http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nan_(ville)

http://thailandenature.xooit.fr/index.php

http://www.nanyouth.org/