The Kingdom of Cambodia has a great wealth of traditional and cultural festivals dated according to the Cambodian lunar calendar. All of these festivals are influenced by the concepts of Buddhism, Hinduism, and royal cultures. Most of these are great rejoicings of the urban and rural populace, held annually as follows.
(1st January)
On the eve of the International New Year’s Day, the Ministry of Tourism will host the Countdown Day in front of the NagaWorld Hotel in Phnom Penh. This festival will be attended by officials from all public and private sectors to celebrate the International New Year’s Day.
Victory Day over the Genocidal Regime (7th January)
The Victory Day commemorates the end of the Pol Pot Genocidal Regime. This important ceremony is marked by a military parade, carnival floats, and national achievements. All over the city, flags and bunting as a sign of national pride adorn the front of shops and houses in all the main thoroughfares.
(19th February, 2019)
The Meak Bochea Day is held during the full moon of the month of Meak in commemoration of the spontaneous gathering of the monks to listen to the Buddha’s preaching.
International Women’s Day
(08th March)
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women and marking respect, appreciation and love towards women.
(14th, 15th, 16th April)
The Khmer New Year Day, called “Bon Chol Chhnam Thmei Khmer” in the Khmer language, is celebrated on 13 April in keeping with the Cambodian lunar calendar. The New Year holidays last for three days. This festival marks the end of the harvest season when Cambodian farmers enjoy the fruits of their labor and relax before the start of the rainy season.
(01st May)
International Labor Day is an annual holiday to celebrate the economic and social achievements of workers. Labor Day has its origins in the labor union movement, specifically the eight-hour day movement, which advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest.
(18th May, 2019)
The Visakh Bochea Day, called “Bon Visakh Bochea” in the Khmer language, commemorates the anniversary of the birth and illumination of the Buddha.
The Royal Plowing Ceremony, called “Bon Chroat Preah Nongkoal” in the Khmer language, is solemnly celebrated at the beginning of the sowing and planting season. Every year, in May, this cultural ceremony takes place at Meru Field in front of the National Museum (next to the Royal Palace).
(13th, 14th, 15th May)
This celebration is triumphantly held inside the Royal Palace and fireworks are prominently displayed on Tonlé Sap from 13-15 May to revere King Norodom Sihamoni, the son of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk, Preahmahaviraksat. He was born on 14 May 1953 in Phnom Penh Capital.
(01st June)
The International Children’s Day marks children’s liberation from the brutal suppression and threats of violence of fascists.
Royal Birthday of Samdech Preah Maha Ksatrei Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, Cambodian Queen-Mother with Freedom, Dignity and Happiness
(18th June)
(24th September)
The Constitution Day marks the proclamation of the constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia issued on 24 September 1993.
The Spirit Commemoration Ceremony, called “Bon Phchum Ben” in the Khmer language, is one of the most significant cultural and religious events of the year jointly celebrated for the spirits of the dead including ancestors and relatives.
(15th October)
This celebration is triumphantly held inside the Royal Palace and at royal governmental institutions on 15 October every year to revere His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk, or His Majesty Preah Barom Ratanakaodh as his posthumous name, a former influential king of Cambodia. He was born in Phnom Penh Capital, Cambodia, on 31 October 1922, and he died in Beijing Capital, the People’s Republic of China, on 15 October 2012.
(23rd October)
The Paris Peace Accord Day marks the agreements on a comprehensive political settlement of the Cambodia conflict signed by Cambodia in Paris, France on 23 October 1991.
Royal Coronation of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Baromneath Norodom Sihamoni,the King of the Kingdom of Cambodia (29th October)
Independence Day (09th November)
The National Independence Day takes place at the site of the Independence Monument at the junction of Preah Norodom Blvd. and Preah Sihanouk Blvd. to commemorate independence Cambodia gained from France on 9 November 1953. This important ceremony is marked by a military parade, carnival floats, and national achievements. All over the city, flags and bunting as a sign of national pride adorn the front of shops and houses in all the main thoroughfares
Regatta, Procession of Illuminated Floats, Salutation to the Moon, and Offering of Bananas and Ambok
(10th, 11th, 12th November, 2019)
The festivities are held in front of the Royal Palace, marking a change in the flow of Tonlé Sap, the fishing and ebbing-water season, and thanksgiving to the Mekong River for providing the country with fertile land and abundant fish. Moreover, the boat racing marks the strength of the powerful Khmer marine forces in the ancient Khmer Empire. Provincial residents always save up to visit the capital to join in the festivities.
(10th December)
The International Human Rights’ Day marks the universal declaration of human rights adopted by the United Nations on 10 December 1948 in Paris, France.
Public Holiday
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Reviewed by Simon_79
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