While most in Iberia Parish were enjoying the Easter holiday, Coteau’s Lanexang Village held a Lao New Year celebration that saw thousands pouring in from all over the country for the traditional celebration.

The village holds Wat Thammarattanaram, a Buddhist temple that was the center of activities for Lao New Year celebrants and was complete with dozens of vendors selling everything from pho and taco sushi to clothing and souvenirs for the celebration.

The three day celebration hit its apex Saturday, where those attending held a Mardi-Gras style parade with trucks and trailers parking all around Lanexand Village with music blasting and Lao New Year revelry hitting its full force.

The celebration also played host to the annual Nang Song Kran pageant, which was followed by the crowning of Ms. Nang Song Kran. The night ended with a fais-do-do style party and special musical guests.

On Sunday, the event saw a more relaxed environment as those attending enjoyed the last day of the three-day celebration.