Heritage shines in spectacular New Year celebration

Locals and foreigners in the Lao capital of Vientiane marked the arrival of 2025 with a spectacular celebration at Patuxay Park, which combined the New Year’s countdown with a grand tribute to the Lamvong dance, newly recognised by UNESCO as a form of World Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Members of the public gather at Patuxay Park at midnight on Tuesday to celebrate the arrival of 2025.

The celebrations at Patuxay featured a unique blend of traditional and modern artistic performances. Crowds gathered to enjoy music, singing and dancing, including a solidarity dance showcasing more than eight Lamvong dance styles to celebrate Laos’ cultural heritage.
The Lamvong dance was inscribed as a form of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on December 5. The Lamvong dance originated in simple farming communities as a way to celebrate the rice harvest.
Historically, villagers would dance around a bale of rice to mark the occasion. The term “Fon  Lamvong” combines “fon” (dance) “lam” (folksong) and “vong” (cycle).
Patuxay and other places in Vientiane came alive with the sounds of jollity as people sang songs and danced, and bands played, all in an atmosphere of jubilation.
The event on December 31 was attended by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket, the Mayor of Vientiane, Dr Athsaphangthong Siphandone, senior Party and State leaders, guests, and thousands of local residents and foreigners.
The celebration at Patuxay Park was organised by the Vientiane Administration Office and sponsored by the Lao Brewery Company and various companies.
A highlight of the evening was a dazzling drone display, which captivated the crowd with imagery celebrating Lao culture, including the champa flower, That Luang Stupa, Khaen and elephants. The spectacle, a first for Laos, was met with awe and applause, adding a modern touch to the festivities.
“I’ve been living in Laos for three years, and this year’s New Year celebration felt especially lively,” a Chinese businessman attending the event told Vientiane Times.
“The drone display was incredible, I had never seen this before in Laos. It impressed me and my family, as well as everyone who attended.”
The midnight countdown concluded with a dazzling fireworks display, as revellers wished for peace, prosperity and progress in the year ahead.
The year 2024 holds great significance for Laos because of both the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign and the country’s role as host of the ASEAN Summit.
Across Laos, people in rural areas celebrated the arrival of 2025 in a less grandiose fashion but were equally happy to anticipate the start of a new year and hopefully a better future.
The celebration during the night of December 31, 2024, will remain a milestone in Laos’ cultural history since the event reflected not only the vibrancy of international new year festivities but also the nation’s efforts to preserve and promote its rich heritage for generations to come.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 2, 2025)