Loy Krathong is a traditional festival in Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. It is held annually at the night of the December 15 in the Thai calendar. At the night of the Loy Krathong, local people put handmade Krathong into rivers in order to deliver good wishes and blessings.

In The evening of November 29, sponsored by the Overseas Education College / International College of Xiamen University, the Thai Students Federation of Xiamen Universityhosted the Thai "Loy Krathong" traditional festivities in the Multi-functional Hall of the Overseas Education College. More than 200 people, including leaders and teachers of the Overseas Education College / International College of Xiamen University, the Deputy Consul of Thai Consulate General in Xiamen---Mr Meng Kun and his wife, Thai teacher from the College of International Relation of Xiamen University, Xu Peixuan, and many students participated in the party. After tasting handmade Thai cuisine, Loy Krathong party started.Mei Bingxue, Chairwoman of the Thai Students Federation of Xiamen University, made the first speech. She introduced the culture and meaning of the Loy Krathong and delivered her gratitude for the support of the Overseas Education College / International College of Xiamen University and Thai Consulate General in Xiamen. Wu Weiping, the Deputy Secretary of the Party of the Overseas Education College / International College of Xiamen University, extended his festival greetings to the teachers and students from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar and he claimed that Xiamen University would continue to support overseas students to engage in a rich variety of cultural activities, to build a platform for teachers and students to facilitate communication and cultural exchanges,and enhance friendship with the worldthrough cultural activities. Meng Kun, the Deputy Consul of Thai Consulate General in Xiamen praised the Xiamen University forits achievements in strengthening oversea students education, promoting Sino-Thai friendship and cultural exchanges, and he hopes to promote bilateral exchanges and development through a variety of cultural activities.

Accompanied by graceful dances of beautiful Thai girls, lively Loy Krathong beauty handsome race began. The competition attracted 10 active participants from Angola, Moldova, Nigeria, Armenia, Indonesia and China to compete. Ma Zhiqiangfrom Nigeria, a graduate student of Confucius Institute Scholarship, won the audience's applauds with a touching Chinese ballad and a solicitous African dance. The following programsalso let the audience overwhelmed. The wonderful performance of traditional Thai dance by Chinese students let the audience enjoy the infinite charm of Thai dance. The traditional musical performances by Armenian students fully demonstrated their unique and rich ethnic customs. Chinese martial arts performed by Indonesian students ignited the fiery atmosphere. The hip-hop performances by Angolan students brought another small climax when the audience screamed and praisedover and over again.

After the talent show, viewers began to vote for their favorite players. The performers and audience together with the staff were enjoying the joy and wonder brought by the festival. Finally, Ma Ang from China was elected "Miss Loy Krathong", and Leo from Angola was elected "Mr. Loy Krathong", while Ma Zhiqiang from Nigeria and Guo Liangcong from Indonesia won the "Most Popular Player"Award.

With the cheerful dance of the"Water Lanterns", the party came to an end. Guests, teachers and students brought beautiful lotus lanterns to the fountainin front of the library. They put the lanterns of wishes and blessings into the fountain. The lanterns lit the quiet night of the Xiang'an campus and promoted the blend of traditional cultures between China and foreign countries .

"Miss Loy Krathong", Ma Ang from China, said, "As a graduate student of Chinese International Education, my wish is to become a volunteer Chinese teacher in Thailand to promote Chinese language and traditional Chinese culture. The party strengthened the relationship between me and my Thai students, and made me a step further to my dream. "

"Most Popular Player", Ma Zhiqiang, said,"This event is a good opportunity for students from different countries to get together for the holidays. I also learned a lot of Thai culture. Thais, like Chinese, also have their own respectedthings and wonderful festivals. "

It is reported that since 2007, Xiamen University has held the Thailand Loy Krathong celebrations every year. This lively party does not only convey the homesickness of students from Thailand, Laos and Myanmar but also brings a feast of exotic culture to teachers and students of Xiamen University. I believe this traditional Thai festival can become an annual traditional event at Xiamen University topromote the exotic culture so that teachers and students together can experience a different country's culture and harvest friendship and happiness.