CAPITALISM AND THE LONG SAPAO FESTIVAL OF NAKHON LAMPANG PEOPLE (2014 – 2020)

Abstract

This article aims to examine the use of capitalism by Lampang City Municipality organization of cultural activities to promote “ Long Sapao”  festival which is a local festival event of Jao La Khon or Lampang City people. using interview, participant and non-participant observation methods. together with documents and research on the history of the Long Sa Pao tradition of Lampang Province to raise questions in the study to critique the evidence Interpret, analyze and summarize in a descriptive form for readers to know. the evidence, interpret and analyze and summarize, compile descriptive, analytical form for readers to know and be a case study of capitalist style and Long Sa Pao tradition of Lampang people.

The study found that some budget was earmarked for procuring relevant materials and hiring a private firm/company to organize the event. Furthermore, other supports or incentives like prizes for contest winners were arranged to encourage the involvement of different agencies, educational institutes, and communities in cultural promotion activities. One activity worth noting is the floating Sapao contest in which each contestant must build a “Sapao” or junk in the form of decorated banana leave vessel which is cultural identity of the local Loy Kratong Festival. The whole effort signifies process of commodification of local culture and tradition to upgrade local attractions to tourism festivals and stimulate the economy within the province.