Lao New Year 2546, Lanexang Village
Iberia Parish, Louisiana
Photos April 19, 2003
Go to Poor Clio
See photos from 2002 celebration


Lots of great food is available throughout the weekend celebration


Cleansing as the new year begins is an important underlying theme of the celebration, and with kids, it takes playful form with waterguns and with spraying one another with shaving cream. Some of the booths at the festival sell water guns and have plenty of shaving cream in case you run low!

A new, larger, second temple building is nearing completion.


The highlight of the day on Saturday is a parade that works through the streets of the village, to the delight parade goers who line the sides of the streets.


The parade begins.


Parade queen.


More parade queens. Happy Lao New Year!



Several groups perform traditional dances, which are rich in expressive hand movements.



This year we saw two floats from which Louisiana Mardi Gras beads were thrown. We didn't remember seeing that in prior years, and it in any case is a great addition that fits right into the festive mood.


This traditional insturmentation had a very interesting sound.


Susan is honored to be offered some cleansing.