The Candle Festival marks the beginning of the Buddhist Lent. It also traditionally heralded the rainy season when villagers donated useful items to monks, including candles to dispel the gloom brought on by the gathering clouds. The parading of the candles followed by a display and blessing has turned into a huge festival in Ubon, with elaborate beeswax sculptures and hundreds of dancers following the parade. These ‘candles’ are so huge that their floats are drawn by tractors. In fact, the intricate designs are anything but candles, representing hours and hours of labour in celebration of various local wats and institutions. Spare a thought for the dancers who endure a sauna-like workout on the streets for the best part of two days.