Giant wax sculptures called candles, and never lit
Related guide: Ubon Candle Festival 2027
The giant wax sculptures in Ubon's candle procession are made by temples and their communities. Some are built on wood or plaster frames and coated in wax, most show scenes from Buddhist and Hindu mythology, and although they are called candles, they are never lit. The 2026 procession was the 125th.
The festival is tied to Khao Phansa, the start of the monks' three-month rains retreat, when people traditionally donate candles to temples. Ubon turned that offering into giant sculptures. Before the parades, nine temple communities welcome visitors to learn about wax decoration.
Both main days have a morning parade. On 29 July the royally bestowed Lent candle and monastic bathing cloth led the way, and on 30 July a Phanom Phra boat procession from Surat Thani joined in. Over the two days, more than 37 dance troupes from temple communities and schools across the province took part.
The competition results were announced on the evening of 30 July, and the winning sculptures then moved to Thung Si Mueang park and the City Pillar Shrine. The 47 pieces of 2026 covered Ubon's three styles: traditional, moulded wax and carved wax.
The full guide to this festival
Ubon Candle Festival 2027: expected 17–19 July in Ubon Ratchathani, giant wax sculptures for Buddhist Lent
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