COTEAU — Thousands of people will converge at Wat Thammarattanaram Buddhist Temple in Coteau this weekend for another celebration of Lao New Year. 

The temple is nestled in the very back of Lanexang Village in Coteau, right off U.S. 90 near Broussard. Festivities will be open to the public beginning at 7 p.m. today with the Queen’s Pageant and choosing of Ms. Nang Song Kran. 

Saturday traditionally draws the biggest crowd for the celebration, with festivities starting at noon and lasting throughout the day. Live performances and vendors are stationed throughout the Buddhist temple grounds, and visitors are able to purchase merchandise as well as a wide variety of traditional Lao food.

The Queen’s Parade, which many residents might believe is similar to Mardi Gras, is scheduled in the afternoon. Hundreds upon hundreds of men, women and children line the streets of Lanexang Village while floats and vehicles pass with music blaring. 

At 7 p.m., the official honoring of Lao New Year. The event is similar to a fais-do-do, with lots of music and dancing. The entrance fee for that event is $10. 

The celebration ends Sunday with the annual Water Festival and building of the sand castles, both of which are Lao traditions. The sand castle ceremony takes place at noon.