The Phi Ta Khon Festival, Loei · The Day the Masks Go On

In Dan Sai, in the Loei province of north-eastern Thailand, the ghost mask festival is held at the start of the rainy season each year. Men put on painted masks taller than a person, strung with bells, and parade through the town.

The parade is said to be held for a prince who could not be reborn: he did good in life but had no heir, and after death was granted one return a year, with people needed to dress as ghosts and clear the way for him.

The rules are that the masks must be painted by hand and must be taller than the wearer. Anyone who takes the mask off may not turn back and rejoin the procession.

Folklore / Loei · Thailand / Modern day