Date: The first Saturday and Sunday of March of
every year at the Khwan Mueang Park
Background : Nursing zebra doves is very popular in the
lower part of the southern region. The zebra dove's coo is very
pleasing to the ear and the locals believe that as an auspicious
animal, it would bring fortune to its owner,especially if it
possesses the right features according to the books. Some
believe that the dove is the symbol of peace and purity.
Thai Moslems in the south are very fond of zebra doves. Because a
large number of locals love to keep them as pets, zebra dove
contests have become prevalent during many festivals. In 1986, the
municipal of Muaeng Yala and the Zebra Dove Club initiated the first
regional cooing zebra dove contest. It received much popularity,
giving rise to zebra dove farms. The most famous zebra dove farm is
in Chana District, Songkhla.
Activities : On the day of
the contest, the owners of the doves register and hoist their doves
(which are in cages) to the tip of assigned poles. There are two
rounds, lasting ninety minutes per round. The doves will be divided
into three groups : Class A (with big voices), Class B (with medium
voices), Class C (with small voices), and judged in their own group.
Pre-established parameters are used to judge the cooing quality. The
scores will be transformed into cooing quality levels according to
each group of doves.
Judges will score taking into
consideration, the duration and consistency of the dove's coo, and
the quality of the coos. Today, there is another category of doves
those that have big, medium, and small voices. Besides the zebra
dove contest, there may be a contest of the most beautiful cages and
a fair of pet dove equipment.
The City Pillar Ceremony
is held annually in May on the ground of the Yala
Municipality Office features a model of the actual City Pillar being
paraded around town. Stalls displaying goods for sale, exhibition,
Government products, folk entertainment, such as Manora Dance, Nung
Talung, and Hulu Li Ke, are also on hand.
Yala Product and Cultural Revival
Festival is held annually on the first weekend of August, on the
grounds of the Yala Municipality Office. Folk cultures from the
various groups in the border provinces of the south, mainly
Chinese-Thai Buddhists and Thai Muslim, are performed. There are
also contests for Chi La Dance, Best Dressed Banong, Si Bu-nga Siri
(a special kind of potpourri), Rong-ngeng Dance, Annacit Singing
contest in Malay and Thai languages, plus folk performances from
various schools in the area. Exhibition of Yala’s best produce is
not to be missed.
