Dive into Cambodia's rich cultural tapestry through national holidays that blend tradition and celebration. From Khmer New Year to Independence Day, these festivities unite the nation, honoring its history with joy and unity.
| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Jan 07,2023 | Victory over Genocide Day | Public Holiday |
| Wednesday | Mar 08,2023 | International Women Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Apr 14,2023 | Khmer New Year Day (Day 1) | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Apr 15,2023 | Khmer New Year Day (Day 2) | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Apr 16,2023 | Khmer New Year Day (Day 3) | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labour Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | May 04,2023 | Visak Bochea Day | Public Holiday |
| Monday | May 08,2023 | Royal Plowing Ceremony | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | King's Birthday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 18,2023 | King's Mother's Birthday | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Sep 24,2023 | Constitutional Day | Public Holiday |
| Friday | Oct 13,2023 | Pchum Ben Festival | Public Holiday |
| Saturday | Oct 14,2023 | Pchum Ben Festival | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 15,2023 | Pchum Ben Festival | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 15,2023 | Commemoration Day of King's Father | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 29,2023 | King's Coronation Day | Public Holiday |
| Thursday | Nov 09,2023 | Independence Day | Public Holiday |
| Sunday | Nov 26,2023 | Water Festival Ceremony (Day 1) | Public Holiday |
| Monday | Nov 27,2023 | Water Festival Ceremony (Day 2) | Public Holiday |
| Tuesday | Nov 28,2023 | Water Festival Ceremony (Day 3) | Public Holiday |
Cambodian New Year, known as "Chaul Chnam Thmey" in Khmer, is a vibrant and joyous celebration marking the beginning of the year. It's celebrated in April and is a time for family reunions, cleansing ceremonies, and water splashing, symbolizing the washing away of the past year's sins and bad luck. This holiday is of immense cultural importance, emphasizing respect for elders and the preservation of traditions.
Victory over Genocide Day, observed on January 7th, commemorates the end of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. This solemn holiday reflects Cambodia's resilience and its people's triumph over a dark period in their history. It's a day to remember the lives lost and to honor those who survived.
International Women's Day on March 8th celebrates the achievements and contributions of women worldwide. In Cambodia, it's a time to acknowledge and empower women, emphasizing their vital role in society, from homemakers to professionals. It promotes gender equality and highlights the cultural importance of women's roles in Cambodian families and communities.
Khmer New Year, celebrated in April, is a significant cultural event, marked by colorful parades, traditional games, and performances. Families pay homage to their ancestors, seeking blessings for the coming year. The holiday showcases Cambodia's rich cultural heritage and the importance of ancestral reverence.
Labour Day, held on May 1st, recognizes the contributions of workers to Cambodia's development. It's a day to advocate for workers' rights, better working conditions, and fair wages. The holiday highlights the importance of labor and social justice in the country's growth.
Visak Bochea Day, usually in May, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha. Cambodians visit temples, make offerings, and perform acts of kindness to honor Buddhist teachings. This holiday underscores the cultural significance of Buddhism in Cambodian society.
The Royal Plowing Ceremony, typically in May, marks the beginning of the rice-growing season. It's a symbolic event where oxen are used to plow fields, predicting the year's agricultural prospects. The ceremony emphasizes Cambodia's deep agricultural roots and the importance of rice cultivation in its culture.
The King's Birthday, celebrated on May 13th, honors the reigning monarch. It's a day of national pride, marked by ceremonies, parades, and public celebrations. This holiday reflects the cultural significance of the monarchy in Cambodia's history and the people's respect for their king.
The King's Mother's Birthday, on June 18th, is a day to honor the Queen Mother. It's a time for people to express their gratitude and respect for her role in the country. This holiday emphasizes the cultural importance of family, respect for elders, and the monarchy's role in Cambodian society.
Constitutional Day, celebrated on September 24th, commemorates the adoption of Cambodia's constitution in 1993. It symbolizes the country's commitment to democracy and the rule of law. This holiday highlights the cultural significance of governance and the importance of democracy in Cambodia.
Pchum Ben, celebrated in September or October, is a 15-day religious observance honoring deceased ancestors. Families visit pagodas to make offerings and prayers for their ancestors' spirits. This holiday reflects the strong connection Cambodians have with their ancestors and the cultural significance of respecting the deceased.
Commemoration Day of King's Father, on October 15th, pays tribute to the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. It's a day to remember his contributions to Cambodia's history. This holiday underscores the cultural importance of honoring past leaders and their legacies.
King's Coronation Day, observed on October 29th, marks the crowning of the reigning monarch. It's a time for ceremonies and festivities to celebrate the continuity of the monarchy. This holiday reflects the cultural significance of the royal institution in Cambodian society.
Independence Day, on November 9th, commemorates Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. It's a day of national pride, marked by parades and flag-raising ceremonies. This holiday emphasizes the cultural significance of sovereignty and the struggles for freedom in Cambodia's history.
The Water Festival, celebrated in November, is a lively event featuring boat races, concerts, and fireworks. It marks the end of the rainy season and the reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow. This holiday reflects the cultural importance of Cambodia's connection to its rivers and its reliance on water for life and agriculture.
