VIENTIANE, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- The annual Elephant Festival in 2025 officially opened on Saturday, with 50 elephants leading the festivities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
The annual festival took place in the northern province of Xayaboury from Feb. 18 to 24 to preserve the nation's rich cultural heritage, support elephant conservation, and attract tourists to the province.
Participated by Vice President of Laos Bounthong Chitmany, the opening ceremony was kicked off with various activities including ethnic groups' cultural showcases, an elephant parade, circus and painting.
Khounkham, a 19-year-old shop assistant in the province, told Xinhua, "I remember being told by the elders from a young age that elephants symbolize our strength and unity. This year's festival is especially meaningful as it honors both our annual tradition and the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic."
"Elephants have always been part of our heritage. Elephant pictures in are seen in textiles, crafts, and temples," Sing, a 30-year-old resident of Xayaboury province, told Xinhua.
Soutthipanya, a 25-year-old student from the southern Lao province of Savannakhet, shared his excitement about attending the festival, saying "This is my first time seeing so many elephants in one place, and it's truly amazing."
"Thinking about the symbolism of the 50 elephants to commemorate Laos' 50th anniversary makes me so proud to be part of the event. It's incredible to see the country celebrate this milestone with such a beautiful display of tradition."
Each year, the Elephant Festival attracts a large number of tourists to Xayaboury, where visitors can witness the majestic elephants, trained and led by their mahouts.
Xayaboury province, some 170 km northwest of Lao capital Vientiane, has many attractions, including 29 officially designated nature-based attractions, 12 cultural sites, and six places with historical associations. ■
