Cambodia’s holidays are based on a mixture of historical events, cultural practices and beliefs, and appreciation for their nation’s leaders. For 2013, the country has nineteen (19) declared public holidays.
International New Year’s Day 2013 – 01 January, Tuesday
Cambodia celebrates the beginning of the Gregorian calendar along with the rest of the world.
7 Makara 2013 – 07 January, Monday
Also known simply as Victory Day, this holiday commemorates the end of regime of the Khmer Rouge.
Meak Bochea Festival (Buddhist Ceremony) 2013 – 25 February, Monday
On this holiday held during the full moon of the 3rd lunar month, people honor Buddha and his teachings. Spiritually, this holiday aims to purify one’s mind, refrain from committing sins and perform only good deeds. Because of its lunar calendar basis, the date changes on the Gregorian calendar each year.
International Women’s Day 2013 – 08 March, Friday
Cambodia joins the whole world in celebrating the women. Various celebrations are done in honor of their achievements in the economic, social and political fields. It is also a show of respect and appreciation for them.
Khmer’s New Year Day 2013 – 14-15-16 April, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
This three day celebration is considered to be the most important holiday in the whole of Cambodia and marks the end of the season of harvest. Farmers take time to celebrate in thanksgiving before the rainy season arrives.
International Labor Day 2013 – 01 May, Wednesday
Cambodia recognizes the strength and importance of the workforce and commemorates their achievements and contributions on this day.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday 2013 – 13, 14, 15 May, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
This holiday celebrates and gives honor to His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni on the occasion of his birth.
Visak Bochea Day 2013 – 25 May, Saturday
This holiday commemorates life of Prince Siddharta Gautama — from birth, to enlightenment and death. The date varies each year on the Gregorian calendar.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day 2013 – 28 May, Tuesday
This national holiday celebrates the beginning of the planting season.
International Children’s Day and Cambodia Children’s Day 2013 – 01 June, Saturday
This holiday not just upholds the International Children’s Day as declared by the United Nations, but it also helps put awareness about the plight of many needy children in Cambodia. These children are at a high risk of various abuses including child labor and trafficking. This day aims to give these children their basic needs as well as protect them from further abuse.
Her Majesty the King’s Mother Queen Norodom Monineath Sihanouk Birthday 2013 – 18 June, Tuesday
The Cambodians celebrate the birth of the Queen Mother of Cambodia, Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, on this day. She is the mother of the current king, Norodom Sihamoni.
Constitutional Day 2013 – 24 September, Tuesday
This holiday honors the signing of the Cambodia’s Constitution by King Norodom Sihanouk.
Pchum Ben’s Festival (Ancestor Day) 2013 – 03, 04, 05 October, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
On this day, Cambodians pay their respects to relatives who has passed on. Monks chant prayers overnight when the gates of hell are open and ghosts or spirits are able to roam freely. People cook meals for the monks who take care of the temples where prayers and offerings are given.
Crowning Ceremony of His Majesty the King Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni Anniversary 2013 – 15 October, Tuesday
When His Royal Highness King Father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne in 2004, a special council picked His Highness Prince Norodom Sihamoni to take over the throne. This holiday commemorates that occasion.
Paris Peace Agreement Day 2013 – 23 October, Wednesday
This holiday was reinstated on October 2012 after it was dropped from the list of the official calendar of holidays in 2004. The Paris Peace Agreement Day also honors His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk who was instrumental in the implementation and success of the agreement.
King Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day 2013 – 29 October, Tuesday
This day marks the official coronation of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni as the reigning king of Cambodia.
Birthday of His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia 2013 – 31 October, Friday
This day celebrates the birth date of His Majesty King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
Independence Day 2013 – 09 November, Saturday
Cambodia celebrates this day to commemorate the country’s independence from France in 1953.
Water Festival Ceremony Day 2013 – 16, 17, 18 November, Saturday, Sunday, Monday
During this festival, people traditionally sprinkle each other with water as a form of respect and ritual cleansing, and as blessings and good wishes. While it celebrates the New Year for some other countries in Southeast Asia, in Cambodia it is a festival related to Bon Om Thook and referred to as the Boat Racing Water Festival in Cambodia.
International Human Right’s Day 2013 – 10 December, Tuesday
On December 10, 1948 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Cambodia recognizes the importance of this day and commemorates it as a public holiday.
For more information: http://www.mfaic.gov.kh/evisa/Cambodia-Public-Holiday.aspx
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Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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