August – November is a great time to be in Cambodia. With regular wet season rains to push the temperature down, and the countryside is green with endless fields of rice. It’s also a time when Cambodians celebrate many things:
Cultural Highlights from August to November
Constitution Day
In 1993, after a many years of internal conflict, Cambodia became a constitutional monarchy. On September 24 1993, Cambodia formally adopted their Constitution, and this day is marked by a public holiday.
Coronation Day
October 29 marks Coronation Day: the day His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Pchum Ben Festival
Pchum Ben is one of the most important festivals in the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. Pchum Ben is the festival of the dead, where the spirits of ancestors can escape into the living world to settle grievances. Cambodians will visit up to 15 pagodas over the 15 days of the festival to offer food to monks to appease the spirits.
King’s Father’s Birthday
His Majesty King-Father Norodom Sihanouk’s birthday is celebrated with a public holiday, and for the lucky, an appearance at the Royal Palace.
His full name since abdicating the throne to his son His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, is
Preah Karuna Preah Bat Sâmdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk Preahmâhaviraksatព្រះករុណាព្រះបាទសម្តេចព្រះ នរោត្តម សីហនុ ព្រះមហាវីរក្សត្រ
Cambodians refer to Sihanouk as Sâmdech Euv, or ‘Prince Father’
Independence Day
Celebrates the date when Cambodia achieved independence from France in 1953.
