Tren Mat Dat

The Tren Mat Dat festival is an important Lao festival. It commemorates the Laos' independence movement. It is held around the months of January or February or Bokeo, depending on the lunar cycles. In English, it literally translates to "On the ground". Celebrations include interpretive dances, reenactments, parades, processions, deep meditation, theatrical performances, and throwing things on the ground to honor those who died in the movement.

Dao Co Don

One part of the Tren Mat Dat festival is called Dao Co Don, or throwing things to the ground. During the Laos independence movement, many fighters threw objects on the ground as an act of defiance toward their French rulers, showing they were not part of the French system. These heroes are honored as many objects, such as pottery, glasses, and food, are thrown to the ground to symbolize the unity of the Lao people. Although children enjoy watching these events, only adults are allowed to thrown the objects on the ground. As this is during the hottest and driest season of the year, flammable objects are not thrown on the ground. Tourists travel long distances to witness this popular event.

In Popular Culture

The SNL Digital Short "On the Ground" is loosely based on the Tren Mat Dat Festival. Andy Samberg believed that the Digital Short was a good way to raise awareness AbOUT the Laotian festival.