January 01: International New Year’s Day
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April 14-16: Cambodian New Year
A three-day celebration after the end of
harvest to mark the turn of The New Year
according to the Khmer lunar calendar. Every
home is seen with attractive decorations.
shrines are full of food and beverages given
as offerings to God.. Other people attend
Buddhist temples where traditional games are
also performed.
May 01: Visak Bochea Day - Birthday of
Buddha. |
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May 05: Royal Ploughing Ceremony
It is culturally celebrated to alert the
nation of the commencement of rainy season,
and farmers to be ready for farming rice by
starting to plough. The venue is a field at
a wing of Royal Palace, Phnom Penh. The
scene is interesting as it depicts real
ploughing activities where cows are given a
variety of crops to eat. Based on the
choices of crops eaten by the cows,
prediction are made for the coming year.
May 13-15: Birthday of King
Sihamony
During king's birthday, a giant firework
display is held close to the riverbanks in
front of the Royal Palace. |
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October 10-12: Pchum Ben Day - The Soul
Day
A religious festival to bless the souls of
ancestors, relatives and friends alike who
have passed away. Household members attend
Buddhist temples. |
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November 23-25: Water Festival
Not only it marks the reversing flow
of Tonle Sap River but also ushers
in the fishing season. The Highlight
of the event is boat races over
three days. As night falls,
fireworks light the sky and a
lighted flotilla of boats sail under
full moon to whom household
worships. Some analysts say the
celebration is also a thanksgiving
to the Mekong River for providing
the country with fertile land.
People from all walks of life gather
on the bank of the Mekong River for
days and nights.
02 December: Angkor Half Marathon
International Half marathon.
Held at the world renowned Angkor
Wat an event which attracts
competitors from all over the world.
With thousands of spectators and the
wonder of Angkor Wat, it is a
spectacular setting. |
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Mid December: Angkor Festival
This festival is a showcase of
performing arts with Angkor Wat as a
backdrop. Performers from all over Asia
attend this festival performing great epic
stories from myths and legends, including
the Ramayana, with their own national dance
costumes and musical and rhythmic
interpretations. Former King Sihanouk often
attends when he is in residence in Siem Reap
and other dignitaries come to
witness this
wonderful spectacle. |
