Sayabouly: The 19th Annual Elephant Festival 2026 opened on February 14 at the Sayabouly Provincial Stadium, drawing senior officials, invited guests, and large crowds to celebrate the province's elephant heritage.

According to Lao News Agency, the opening ceremony was attended by Khamphan Pheuyyavong, a Member of the Political Bureau of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Central Propaganda and Training Board, alongside Phengnilan Khamphanpheng, a Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee. During the event, Amay Songyialeng, Vice Governor of Sayabouly Province and Vice Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee, emphasized the festival's goals of strengthening elephant conservation, preserving cultural traditions of the province's multi-ethnic communities, and supporting sustainable tourism.

The festival features 50 elephants from across the province, providing opportunities for natural breeding and allowing mahouts to demonstrate skills and exchange knowledge to sustain their profession. Highlights include daily elephant performances, cultural shows, and a trade fair with 324 stalls that opened on February 9. The fair showcases "One District, One Product" (ODOP) goods, agricultural and handicraft items, and processed industrial products from 11 districts, along with contributions from public and private sectors.

Visitors have the opportunity to participate in guided eco-tourism activities, including trips to the Elephant Conservation and Asian Elephant Breeding Center (Phou Khen) and other local attractions in the provincial capital. Organizers stated that the festival will continue with daily performances, exhibitions, and cultural activities aimed at promoting conservation awareness and highlighting the unique relationship between elephants and the people of Sayabouly.