Anticipating Public Holidays Before a Trip to Cambodia
With a total of 27 public holidays compared to only 11 in France, Cambodia is one of the countries with the most public holidays in the world.
With a total of 27 public holidays compared to only 11 in France, Cambodia is one of the countries with the most public holidays in the world.
During these celebration periods, daily life slows to a crawl, particularly for shops and markets. Conversely, traveling to Cambodia during a festive period can be a wonderful opportunity to discover local traditions. This is why knowing a few key dates can prove useful for your stay in Cambodia.The Monarchy
May 14, 1953
On the occasion of King Norodom Sihamoni's birthday, born on May 14, 1953, a grand fireworks display is launched from the banks of the Mekong, the river that flows through Phnom Penh. Performances are also organized over the two days of celebration.
June 18, 1936
June 18, 1936 marks the birth of Queen Mother Monique. This year Her Majesty the Queen celebrated her 82nd birthday. Most shops are closed during her birthday.
September 24, 1993, Constitution Day
It was on this date that the constitutional monarchy was restored; the day is now a public holiday in the kingdom.
October 15, 2012
October 15 celebrates the commemoration of King Father Norodom Sihanouk (father of the current king Norodom Sihamoni), who passed away at the age of 89 from natural causes in Beijing. A grand celebration takes place each year at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh in his memory.
October 29, 2004
In 2004, King Norodom Sihamoni was crowned king following his father King Norodom Sihanouk. Since that date, it has been considered a public holiday in Cambodia.
Religion
Meak Bochea
The Meak Bochea Day is an important Buddhist celebration, celebrated in several Southeast Asian countries. January 31 was a public holiday this year, though it can vary between late January and early February. Meak Bochea Day corresponds to the first full moon of the third Khmer lunar month. In the morning, monks receive offerings from the faithful, and in the evening a sermon is given within the temples.
Monks gather during Meak Bochea
The Khmer New Year
Sousdey chnam khmer, happy New Year! This is the most important celebration in Cambodia. The lunar new year is celebrated over 3 days in mid-April, from the 13th to the 15th, or from the 14th to the 16th depending on the year. During this period, Phnom Penh empties out in favor of rural areas as Khmers return to their families for the festivities.
Traditional dancing during Khmer New Year
Visak Bochea
The day of Visak Bochea celebrates Buddha's enlightenment, making it a major celebration for Buddhism. The day is dedicated to the purification of body and spirit through fasting notably. This date falls on the 15th day of the 6th lunar month, April 29 this year.
Pchum Ben
This date falls on the 15th day of the waning moon, October 8 this year. Khmers once again leave the capital to join their families in the provinces. It is a celebration in honor of the damned, those who misbehaved during their lives. They are freed from the torment of hell for 15 days and can receive, through the monks, food prepared by their loved ones.
Monks patiently await the food prepared by families
Cambodian History
The Fall of the Angkar
The regime of the Khmer Rouge orchestrated by Pol Pot left a profound mark on history. It wasn't until 1979 that they were defeated by the Vietnamese army. January 7 commemorates the day of victory over genocide and the liberation of Phnom Penh.
International Women's Day
March 8 marks International Women's Day in many countries around the world, including Cambodia.
Labor Day
Celebrated in several Western countries since the end of the 19th century, Labor Day, which falls on May 1st, is also one of Cambodia's public holidays.
The Paris Accords
October 23, 1991 is a date carved in stone that changed the course of history in Cambodia. Indeed, it was on this date that the Paris Accords were signed, restoring sovereignty to the Khmer people under UN supervision.
Independence Day
It was on November 9, 1953 that Cambodia gained its independence. It is customary for shopkeepers to hang a flag to celebrate Independence Day.
The monument erected for Independence.
International Human Rights Day
Another globally recognized day, December 10, or International Human Rights Day, is also considered a public holiday in Cambodia.
Daily Life
The Sacred Furrow Festival
The Royal Plowing Ceremony, also known as the sacred furrow festival, is an important event in the daily life of Khmers as it marks the beginning of the agricultural season with the arrival of the rainy season. This signals the start of the first plowing of the rice paddies.
International Children's Day
June 1st sees no particular events organized. Only schools are closed for the day.
Five schoolchildren from the province
The Water Festival
"Bon Om Teuk" takes place over 3 days before the full moon of November. This festival marks the reversal of the current direction of the Tonlé Sap river. Unlike all other cultural or religious festivals of the year, this time it is Phnom Penh where the entire country gathers. The program features boat racing in the afternoon on the Mekong in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. Each boat represents a province of Cambodia. Many provincial residents travel to the capital for this event. In the evening, fireworks displays take their turn.
