With a commitment to showcasing Thai culture and traditions to the world, Icon Siam, a global landmark on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, welcomes the Loy Krathong festival, a cultural heritage of the nation, by organizing the 'International Krathong Exhibition of 15 Countries'. This exhibition aims to connect Thai traditions with the diverse cultures of various nations by sharing unique stories inspired by different embassies through Thai krathongs. The 'International Krathong Exhibition' is being held for the sixth time, inviting embassies from 15 countries including Chile, the People's Republic of China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Peru, Portugal, the Philippines, the United States, France, South Korea, Mexico, Nepal, and Vietnam to create artistic representations of their cultures, traditions, and histories. The exhibition will be open for public viewing from November 2 to 17, 2024, at Iconluxe Avenue, Level M, Icon Siam.

This year's International Krathong Exhibition is uniquely themed 'Upcycled Krathong' or Eco-friendly Krathong, drawing inspiration from the festivals of the 15 countries to create stunning Thai krathongs crafted by students from various institutions. The krathongs are beautifully displayed on bases made by Thai model artists, with nearly all components created from various recycled materials sourced from Icon Siam's 360 Waste Journey to Zero Waste project. This initiative aims to add value to waste materials, promote sustainability, and minimize environmental impact. It provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in creating international krathongs while being eco-conscious. This year, the embassies of 15 countries have brought symbols or characteristics of their nations and stories about significant festivals and culturally valuable traditions to present, linking them to Thailand's Loy Krathong tradition, allowing visitors to feel as if they are experiencing the exciting festivals of different countries firsthand.

Chile presents the Tapati Festival, a celebration aimed at preserving and revitalizing the unique culture of the Rapa Nui people, featuring dance performances and canoe races that reflect the local spirit and lifestyle, along with traditional food and music that create a joyful atmosphere. The krathong is adorned with moai statues, symbols of Easter Island, pink flower garlands representing love and happiness, and the sacred Manutara bird of the Rapa Nui.

The People's Republic of China shares the story of the Mid-Autumn Festival, an important celebration held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, when families return home to feast, admire the moon, and share mooncakes. The krathong features the moon, a rabbit (the pet of the moon goddess), and peonies, the auspicious flower of China symbolizing love, highlighted in red and gold tones representing good luck, happiness, and prosperity.

India showcases the Navratri festival, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over demons (one of the incarnations of Goddess Uma). This grand festival lasts for 9 days and nights, during which people worship the nine forms of Goddess Uma, chant, sing, and dance Garba, with dancers dressed in traditional attire moving in circles around a fire symbolizing the sacred energy of life and spirit, amidst a vibrant atmosphere decorated with flowers and lights.

Indonesia brings the beauty of the Lantern Festival at Borobudur Temple, held annually during Vesak Day at the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The festival features offerings, prayers, and meditation, highlighted by the release of thousands of lanterns into the night sky, carrying the hopes and prayers of participants for peace, unity, and liberation from suffering.

Italy chooses the theme of the Sanremo Music Festival, a significant cultural event in Italy known worldwide for celebrating music. The krathong features a concert stage, a mosaic-style trophy, and palm trees symbolizing the city of Sanremo, with the mosaic recalling the 'Mosaico – the Italian code of timeless art' event organized by the Italian Embassy in collaboration with the Museum Siam this year, aiming to blend the two cultures rich in art and tradition—Thailand's Loy Krathong and Italy's Sanremo Music Festival.

Japan designs its krathong under the theme 'Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai', a world expo set to take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025, on Yumeshima Island, Osaka, Japan, with the main theme 'Designing a Future Society Where Life Shines'. The krathong features 'Miyakumiya', the mascot of the event, a wondrous creature formed from the combination of cells and water, symbolizing the DNA of wisdom, technology, history, and culture passed down through generations, alongside 'Poomjai', the mascot representing the Thai Pavilion, showcasing Thai wisdom in health care.

Peru invites you to learn about the Inti Raymi festival, an important celebration for the Peruvian people honoring Inti, the sun god revered by the Inca. Held annually on June 24 in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, it celebrates the winter solstice and the Inca New Year, welcoming the return of the sun that brings warmth and light for agriculture. Historically, Inti Raymi was a sacred ritual involving offerings to the sun and grand processions, but it has evolved to adapt to modern times.

Portugal presents the interesting story of the Barcelos rooster, the national symbol, and the Flower Festival. The krathong features the Barcelos rooster with a heart-shaped design on its body and tail, symbolizing luck, happiness, and prosperity, surrounded by colorful flowers representing the grand Flower Festival held annually in Madeira, which includes flower parades, exhibitions, competitions, and decorations throughout the city.

The Philippines showcases the concept of 'bayanihan', embodying the spirit of community, cooperation, and mutual support, through elements of the annual Pahiyas festival celebrated every May 15 in Lucban, Quezon province, honoring San Isidro Labrador, the Catholic patron saint of farmers. The integration of the Pahiyas festival with the Thai tradition of Loy Krathong symbolizes the strong relationship between the Philippines and Thailand, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations this year.

The United States presents the theme of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, held annually in Albuquerque, New Mexico, celebrating for 9 full days with the simultaneous launch of hundreds of balloons each day, along with various activities such as music performances, food stalls, and other entertainment. The festival showcases the beauty and diversity of New Mexico's culture.

France reflects the diplomatic relationship between Thailand and France by featuring a statue of King Louis XIV and Phya Kasathibodi (Pan), narrating a historical story spanning over 340 years when Phya Kasathibodi of Ayutthaya visited King Louis XIV as an ambassador and received a grand welcome from France, marking the beginning of friendship between the two nations. On the other side, modern architectural highlights of France, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Olympic balloon and torch, transport viewers from the past to the present.

South Korea this year presents its national sport, 'Taekwondo', a martial art with a history of thousands of years that became a global sport included in the Olympics since 2000. The krathong features both the competition arena and the podium for awards, showcasing images of 'Tennis Panipak', a world-class Thai taekwondo athlete, and coach 'Chatchai Che', formerly known as 'Young Seok Che', a South Korean coach of Thai nationality, on the first-place podium, symbolizing the connection between the two countries.

Mexico stands out with the vibrant colors of Alebrijes, folk sculptures of fantastical creatures from imagination, originating in Mexico since 1930. Typically made from wood and painted with unique patterns in bright colors, Alebrijes are now used in various forms and symbolize creativity and the celebration of life, often appearing in festivals and parades, representing the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.

Nepal showcases the beauty of Swayambhunath, known as the 'Monkey Temple', a sacred site atop a hill in Kathmandu, recognized as one of the oldest and most revered monuments in Nepal, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It holds significant importance for both Buddhists and Hindus, with the belief that it emerged from a lotus flower that rose from the water when Kathmandu was still a large lake over 2,000 years ago, and due to the many monkeys residing there, it earned the name 'Monkey Temple'. The architectural uniqueness makes Swayambhunath a beautiful example of ancient Nepalese art.

Vietnam this year presents the valuable cultural heritage of 'Múa Rối Nước' or Water Puppetry, one of the national identities passed down for over 1,000 years, performed with traditional music. Puppeteers skillfully maneuver puppets on water, depicting scenes in 'Thủy Đình', a beautiful ancient site often built near water sources, narrating stories about daily life, folklore, or local legends. This krathong reflects the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Vietnam beautifully.

Come enjoy festivals from around the world and witness the unique characteristics of different countries through the 'International Krathong Exhibition of 15 Countries' that integrates Thai traditions with the diverse cultures of various nations at Iconluxe Avenue, Level M, Icon Siam. The exhibition is free to the public from now until November 17, 2024. For more details, call 1338 and visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.