It had been doing that for years, including during boat racing festival. Only just for FUN. I repeat, just for fun ONLY. Nobody takes it very seriously. OK ?
I saw this type of parade during boun bang fai when I was a little kid back in Vientiane. I just thought they were weird to dress like women and have the big kahuna sticking out like that. But I guess it was just for fun. Maybe the big bang fai is the same as the big kahuna?