Festivals and Events in Phnom Penh Cambodia

Local Festivals and Events in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city of Cambodia, is a hub for cultural celebrations and exciting events throughout the year. Here are some of the most popular local festivals and events that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)

  • Date: October/November
  • Description: A three-day water festival celebrated to mark the end of the rainy season. Thousands of people gather along the Tonle Sap River to watch boat racing, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, and participate in fireworks displays.

2. Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)

  • Date: April 13-15
  • Description: A three-day celebration marking the beginning of the Khmer New Year. Locals visit temples, clean their homes, and engage in traditional games like Angkunh (a game of tossing a rattan ball).

3. Pchum Ben Festival

  • Date: September/October
  • Description: A 15-day festival honoring the spirits of ancestors. Locals offer food and incense sticks to monks, who then perform rituals to guide the spirits back to their ancestral homes.

4. Phnom Penh International Film Festival

  • Date: November
  • Description: A week-long celebration of local and international films, with screenings, workshops, and discussions on filmmaking in Cambodia.

5. Cambodia International Music Festival

  • Date: December
  • Description: A three-day festival featuring performances by local and international musicians, showcasing a diverse range of genres from traditional Khmer music to rock and pop.

6. Street Art Festival

  • Date: February
  • Description: A week-long celebration of street art, with live graffiti painting, breakdancing, and hip-hop performances.

7. Phnom Penh Night Market

  • Date: Every Friday and Saturday night
  • Description: A bustling night market offering a wide range of local food, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Try some street food, buy some souvenirs, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere.

8. Cambodia-Japan Friendship Festival

  • Date: June
  • Description: A two-day celebration of the strong diplomatic ties between Cambodia and Japan, featuring traditional music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, and a range of Japanese food stalls.

These festivals and events offer a unique glimpse into Phnom Penh’s vibrant cultural scene. So mark your calendars, and get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this captivating city!