Celebrating Thai Culture: A Look Inside the 2024 Minnesota Songkran Festival

The Minnesota Songkran Festival is a free, annual two-day celebration held at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Organized by the Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota, it’s the largest Thai cultural event in the upper Midwest. The festival features traditional performances, cultural displays, Thai street food, and local talent dressed in beautiful traditional Thai attire.

This year’s festival was especially exciting, with appearances by popular pageant contestants: Anntonia Porsild (Miss Universe Thailand and Miss Universe 2023 1st Runner-Up), Panida Kernjinda (Miss Thailand 2024), and Atitiya Benjapak (2nd Runner-Up Miss Thailand 2024). Over the two-day celebration, the pageant contestants took part in a variety of activities including the parade, papaya eating contest, closing concerts on both days, and even a game of musical chairs with festival-goers.

Adding to the star power, Michelin-starred Thai chef Chumpol Jangprai flew in from Thailand to participate in the festival. He prepared dishes for the papaya salad contest and hosted Thai cooking classes for attendees—a treat for both food lovers and cultural enthusiasts. Attendees could go to the tent and learn how to cook Thai food from scratch.

The festival began with a Monk’s Blessing Ceremony on the first day, followed by a grand opening and parade. Each evening ended with a high-energy concert, where dancing is a must in Thai tradition. Miss Universe herself encouraged the crowd to join in the fun, turning the performances into an unforgettable experience filled with jumping, dancing, and celebration.

The festival began with a Monk’s Blessing Ceremony on the first day, followed by a grand opening and parade. There was also a fashion show showcasing traditional Thai clothes. Each evening ended with a high-energy concert, where dancing is a must in Thai tradition. Miss Universe herself encouraged the crowd to join in the fun, turning the performances into an unforgettable experience filled with jumping, dancing, and celebration.

One of my favorite parts of the festival is staying by the main stage to enjoy the performances. This year, we were treated to a beautiful live band performance of Thai folktale by the Moradokmai Theatre Community and Homeschool. Their storytelling and energy were incredible! We also enjoyed a stunning Khon dance, along with a wide variety of community performances including K-pop covers, traditional dances from Thailand, Cambodia, and India, live bands, and vocalists.