PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND FESTIVALS YEAR 2010/2011
Sun 31-Oct-10
Retired King Sihanouk Birthday:
His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Norodom Sihanouk, the retired King of Cambodia, was born on 31 October 1922 in Phnom Penh. Every year his birthday is celebrated in regal fashion and the entire nation joins in to honor their King.
Tue 9-Nov-10
National Independence Day:
Independence day, the date Cambodia achieved independence from France in 1953, is marked by a parade with floats and spectacles highlighting the nation’s achievements.
Sat - Mon 20-22-Nov-10
Water festival:
The Water Festival, which ushers in the fishing season and marks the reversing of the current in the Tonle Sap river, is a spectacle to behold. At the height of the rainy season, the water in the Mekong river flows with such power that it backs up into the Tonle Sap river, forcing the Tonle Sap to reverse its current and begin flowing northward to the Great Lake. As the water level begins to subside, the current reserves again. The festival draws tens of thousand of people to the river banks to watch longboat races, fireworks and a lighted flotilla of boats under the full moon.
Fri 10-Dec-10
International Human Rights Day
Sat 1-Jan-11
International New Year
Fri 7-Jan-11
Victory over Pol Pot Genocide
Tue 3-Feb-11
Chinese New Year
Fri 18-Feb-11
Meak Bochea:
Buddhist Ceremony held during the full moon of the month of Meak Bochea in commemoration of the spontaneous gathering of the monks to listen to the Buddha's preaching.
Tue 8-Mar-11
International Women Day
Thu - Sat 14-16-Apr-11
Khmer New Year:
The New Year’s festival spans three days following the end of the harvest season. Khmers clean and decorate their houses with altars for offerings. Then they play traditional games such as Angkunh, Chaol Chhoung, Leak Kansaeng and tug of war.
Sun 1-May-11
International Labor Day
Fri - Sun 13-15-May-11
Birthday H.M. King Norodom Sihamoni:
The newly appointed King His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodaom Sihamoni celebrates his birthday with a three day public holiday
Tue 17-May-11
Visaak Bochea
Wed 1-Jun-11
International Children Day
Sat - Sun 18-19-Jun-11
Birthday of the Queen
Sat 24-Sep-11
Constitution Day
Mon - Wed 26-28-Sep-11
Festival of the Dead Pchum Ben:
The Spirits Commemoration Festival is held for the spirits of the dead. Bonn Dak Ben - the offering of food to the monks - lasts for 15 days. The 15 day of the ceremony - the full moon - is called Bonn Phchoum Ben, the collection of the bens (offerings). During this celebration, if departed souls do not find their family making offering at a Wat, it is believed that the soul is cursed and will bother the descendent throughout the year.
Thu 13-Oct-11
Kathaen offering ceremony to Buddhist monks:
The 29-day religious festival is marked by town and country folks marching in procession to the Wat where the Monks are waiting to change their old saffron robes for new ones offered during the festival. The ceremony brings spiritual merit to both lay people and the monks
Sat 29-Oct-11
Coronation of H.M. King Norodom Sihamoni
Mon 31-Oct-11
Birthday of retired King Norodom Sihanouk
Wed 9-Nov-11
National Independence Day
Wed - Fri 9-11-Nov-11
Water festival
Fri 10-Dec-11
International Human Rights Day
