Cambodia Public Holidays
Cambodia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Cambodia? All public holidays in Cambodia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Cambodia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Cambodia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Cambodia, a Southeast Asian nation rich in history and culture, observes a variety of public holidays that reflect its Buddhist traditions, historical events, and national pride. Cambodia’s public holidays offer insight into the country’s religious practices, commemorations of its monarchy, and important historical milestones. These holidays are a mix of national holidays, religious holidays, and commemorative days.
National Public Holidays
National holidays in Cambodia celebrate the country’s independence, monarchy, and political milestones. These holidays serve as reminders of Cambodia’s journey toward sovereignty, national unity, and progress.
Independence Day (9th November)
According to cachedhealth.com, Independence Day is one of the most important national holidays in Cambodia, celebrated on the 9th of November. It commemorates Cambodia’s independence from French colonial rule in 1953.
Celebrations:
- Flag Hoisting: The main celebrations take place in Phnom Penh, the capital, with the King presiding over the flag-raising ceremony at the Independence Monument. This event is attended by government officials, military leaders, and foreign dignitaries.
- Parades and Performances: Military parades, traditional dances, and musical performances are held across the country to mark the occasion. In Phnom Penh, the parade showcases Cambodia’s military and cultural heritage.
- Fireworks: In the evening, fireworks light up the sky over Phnom Penh, symbolizing the nation’s pride and independence.
- Patriotic Celebrations: Throughout the country, people gather to celebrate with friends and family, reflecting on Cambodia’s sovereignty and progress.
Constitution Day (24th September)
Constitution Day, celebrated on the 24th of September, marks the adoption of Cambodia’s constitution in 1993 following the restoration of the monarchy. It is a day to honor Cambodia’s commitment to democracy, peace, and stability.
Observances:
- Official Ceremonies: Constitution Day is commemorated with official ceremonies attended by government officials, including the King and the Prime Minister. These events often include speeches that highlight the importance of the constitution and the rule of law.
- Educational Programs: Schools and universities may hold special events to educate students about the significance of the constitution and the responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday (14th May)
The birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni is celebrated on the 14th of May each year as a public holiday. King Sihamoni, who ascended the throne in 2004, is revered for his role in maintaining stability and unity in Cambodia.
Celebrations:
- Official Events: In Phnom Penh, official events are held at the Royal Palace, where the King receives well-wishers and offers his blessings to the nation.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional Khmer music, dance performances, and religious ceremonies are part of the celebrations, reflecting Cambodia’s deep respect for its monarchy.
- Public Participation: Citizens pay their respects to the King by attending public celebrations, offering flowers, and participating in festivities across the country.
Coronation Day (29th October)
Coronation Day, observed on the 29th of October, commemorates the coronation of King Norodom Sihamoni in 2004. It is a day to honor the monarchy and celebrate the King’s role in guiding the country.
Key Events:
- Ceremonies at the Royal Palace: Official ceremonies are held at the Royal Palace, where religious leaders and government officials gather to pay tribute to the King.
- Public Festivities: In cities and towns across Cambodia, people participate in parades, cultural performances, and other events that celebrate the coronation and the monarchy’s significance to the nation.
Religious Public Holidays
Religion plays a central role in Cambodian society, with Buddhism being the dominant faith. The country observes several Buddhist holidays, which are deeply rooted in its traditions and spiritual practices. These holidays are times of reflection, merit-making, and communal celebrations.
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Khmer New Year, known as Chaul Chnam Thmey, is the most widely celebrated festival in Cambodia. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the traditional Cambodian lunar calendar and usually falls in mid-April. The festival lasts for three days and is a time for families to come together, offer prayers, and celebrate with food, music, and games.
Celebrations:
- Temple Visits: Cambodians visit Buddhist temples to make offerings and seek blessings from monks. This act of merit-making is believed to bring good fortune in the coming year.
- Traditional Games: People, especially in rural areas, participate in traditional games like Bos Angkunh (a game played with seeds) and Leak Kanseng (a version of hide-and-seek). These games are a way to preserve cultural heritage and foster community spirit.
- Watering Rituals: On the second day of Khmer New Year, a ritual known as Sraung Preah is performed, where water is poured over statues of the Buddha and elderly relatives as a sign of respect and blessing.
- Feasting and Celebrations: Families prepare special meals, including traditional dishes like amok (a steamed coconut fish curry) and nom banh chok (Khmer noodles), and gather for communal feasts.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors’ Day)
Pchum Ben, or Ancestors’ Day, is a 15-day religious festival that culminates on the 15th day of the lunar calendar’s 10th month (usually in September or October). It is one of the most important religious holidays in Cambodia, dedicated to honoring the spirits of deceased ancestors.
Traditions:
- Temple Offerings: During Pchum Ben, Cambodians visit pagodas to offer food, rice balls, and other items to monks, who then dedicate the offerings to the spirits of the dead. It is believed that during this time, the gates of the underworld open, allowing the spirits to receive these offerings.
- Merit-Making: Families make merit by donating food and money to monks and the needy, in the hope of ensuring a peaceful afterlife for their ancestors.
- Family Gatherings: Pchum Ben is a time for families to come together, honor their deceased relatives, and participate in religious rituals. Many people travel long distances to return to their hometowns and attend ceremonies at local pagodas.
Vesak Day (Buddha Day)
Vesak Day, also known as Buddha Day, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. It is one of the most sacred holidays in the Buddhist calendar and is observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month (usually in May).
Observances:
- Processions and Prayers: Cambodians gather at temples to participate in processions, listen to sermons, and chant prayers in honor of the Buddha. Monks lead the ceremonies, which are marked by reverence and reflection on the teachings of the Buddha.
- Offering Food to Monks: Devotees offer food, robes, and other necessities to monks as a way of earning merit and paying homage to the Buddha.
- Lighting Lanterns: In some regions, people light lanterns or candles as part of the Vesak Day celebrations, symbolizing the enlightenment of the Buddha and the hope for spiritual awakening.
Meak Bochea
Meak Bochea, observed on the full moon of the third lunar month (usually in February), commemorates a key event in the life of the Buddha when he delivered a sermon to 1,250 enlightened monks without prior arrangement. It is a day for reflecting on the Buddha’s teachings and the principles of Buddhism.
Key Traditions:
- Temple Ceremonies: Devotees gather at temples to offer food and flowers, listen to sermons, and participate in meditation sessions. Monks give talks on the Buddha’s teachings and encourage followers to practice compassion, mindfulness, and ethical conduct.
- Candlelit Processions: In the evening, candlelit processions are often held at temples, with monks and laypeople walking in circles around the temple while holding candles or incense sticks, symbolizing the light of wisdom.
Commemorative Days
In addition to national and religious holidays, Cambodia observes several commemorative days that honor key historical figures, international achievements, and important moments in the country’s history.
Victory Over Genocide Day (7th January)
Victory Over Genocide Day, celebrated on the 7th of January, marks the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979, which ended one of the darkest periods in Cambodia’s history. The day honors those who suffered and died during the regime and celebrates the restoration of peace and stability.
Observances:
- Memorial Services: The day is observed with memorial services to honor the victims of the Khmer Rouge. Many Cambodians visit memorial sites and attend religious ceremonies to pay their respects.
- Government Speeches: Government officials, including the Prime Minister, deliver speeches reflecting on the significance of the day, the importance of national unity, and the continued commitment to peace and development.
- Public Awareness: Schools and universities may hold discussions and events to educate younger generations about the Khmer Rouge period and its impact on Cambodia’s history.
International Women’s Day (8th March)
International Women’s Day, observed on the 8th of March, is a global celebration of the achievements and contributions of women. In Cambodia, it is a public holiday that recognizes the role of women in society and advocates for gender equality.
Traditions:
- Public Events: Government organizations, NGOs, and women’s groups organize events and conferences focused on women’s rights, empowerment, and gender equality. These events often feature speeches, panel discussions, and performances that highlight the progress made and the challenges that remain for women in Cambodia.
- Celebrating Women’s Achievements: Across the country, women are honored in various sectors, including education, healthcare, politics, and business. Women’s contributions to their families and communities are celebrated through special ceremonies and gatherings.
Human Rights Day (10th December)
Human Rights Day, celebrated on the 10th of December, marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations in 1948. In Cambodia, the day is used to promote awareness of human rights issues and the importance of protecting individual freedoms.
Observances:
- Public Rallies: NGOs, human rights groups, and civil society organizations hold rallies and events to raise awareness about human rights issues in Cambodia. These gatherings focus on promoting freedom of speech, the right to education, and equality under the law.
- Educational Programs: Schools and universities may organize lectures, workshops, and discussions on human rights, aimed at fostering a better understanding of these principles among students.
