The best way to trace Laotian life is through their festivals, which are incredibly vivid and provide first-hand experiences of the strong Buddhist faith and tradition of animism of the nation. The best known and very glamorous is Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) in mid-April. It is a three-day (or usually a weeklong) festival, which is held all over the country in the name of purification and renewal. Travellers are also requested to become the spirit of the event, where they would be involved in throwing water at each other in playfulness, and symbolically represent bad omen and cleansing of a new year. The most relaxed spot to enjoy the festival is likely to be Luang Prabang, where a colossal and colourful procession in advance is held, and sand stupas are built on the riverbank of the Mekong.