List of Public Holidays of
Kingdom of Cambodia
(Kambujadesa)
for
the Year 2011
Khmer New-Year and
during Phchum
Ben celebration, we are closed to celebrate with our Khmer family.
As a predominantly Buddhist country,
most of public holidays in Cambodia are Buddhist holidays which are
based on lunar calendars. There are a number of traditional Cambodia
festivals as well, which are also based on lunar calendars. Thus,
holiday dates change from year to year.
Eventhough Cambodia share a number of
common Buddhist holidays with other Buddhist countries such as Thailand
or Vietnam, Cambodia people have their own calendar calculation, which
celebrate the Buddhist holidays approximately one month earlier than
Thailand.
One thing interesting here is that
Cambodia celebrates 3 New Years every year, the International New Year’s
Day, Chinese New Year, and Cambodia New Year.
Please note this is not based on
official Cambodia holiday dates. This calendar is based on estimates
only. We do not and cannot guarantee accurate of the calendar.
2011 Cambodia Public Holiday
Dates
International New Year’s
Day
The celebration of New Year’s Eve has become more and more popular in
Cambodia, and although not an official holiday, many offices are closed.
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Victory over Genocide
Day
This national holiday commemorates Vietnamese-backed troops taking the
capital from the Khmer Rouge in 1979. It marks the end of the Khmer
Rouge regime after their defeat to the Vietnamese.
Friday, 7 January 2011
Chinese New Year
First new moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. An important celebration
to Cambodians with chinese origin, however not a public holiday.
Thursday, 3 February 2011
Meak Bochea Day /Magha
Puja Day
An important Buddhist holy day, celebrated in Thailand, Cambodia, and
Laos on the full moon day of the third lunar month in Buddhist Calendar.
The month is known in the Thai language as Makha (Pali: Magha). Bucha,
also a Thai word (Pali: Puja), meaning to venerate or to honor. As such,
Makha Bucha Day is for the veneration of Buddha and his teachings.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Women’s Day
This United Nations-inspired holiday, International day for women has
become a big deal. Don’t hope to get anything done.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Look at WiKiPedia,
about Cambodian Khmer New Year, interesting to know:
បុណ្យចូលឆ្នាំថ
"Chaul Chnam Thmey".
Possibly Cambodia’s most important holiday. The cities empty as
Cambodians rush to spend the holiday with family. The holiday lasts for
three days beginning on New Year’s Day. This time of the year is at the
end of the harvesting season. The farmers enjoy the fruits of their
harvest and relax before the rainy season begins. Gifts and tips are
especially auspicious during April and should be accompanied with the
phrase ‘Sok Sabay, Ch’nam Tmey’ (Happy New Year! or Enter the New Year :
Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Friday, 15 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011Labour Day
A relatively minor holiday. Embassies advise avoiding large
labor-related gatherings and rallies falling on this day as union
disputes can occasionally turn violent.
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Royal Ploughing Day
Ceremony
Known in Cambodia as Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol, this public holiday
corresponds to the start of the planting season. Royal astrologers will
predict the coming season’s weather.
Monday, 2 May 2011
HM King Sihamoni’s
Birthday
Commemorates the birthday of King Norodom Sihamoni on 14 May 1953. The
current king was crowned in 2004 after the abdication of his father,
Norodom Sihanouk.
Friday, 13 May 2011
Saturday, 14 May 2011
Sunday, 15 May 2011
Visaka Bochea / Visaka
Buja Day
Vesak Day, Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment
and passing of the Buddha
Sunday, 17 April 2011
HM the Queen Mother’s
Birthday
Commemorates the birthday of The Queen Mother Norodom Monineath
Sihanouk. Cambodians have a deep affection for the queen mother. Even
so, this is a minor holiday which does not usually affect travel.
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Pchum Ben Day
Festival of the Ancestors. Buddhist tradition demands Cambodians visit
many pagodas over two weeks. Food, flowers, rice and gifts are given to
the monks to convey to the afterlife so the dead do not haunt the
living. This is a particularly poignant celebration given Cambodia’s
recent history.
Monday, 26 September 2011
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Wednesday, 28 September 2011
Cambodia Constitution
Day
A public holiday called to celebrate the anniversary signing of the
Cambodian new constitution by King Sihanouk on 24 September 1993
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Cambodia Coronation Day
Cambodia Coronation Day is the anniversary of the coronation of current
King Norodom Sihamoni.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Former HM King
Sihanouk’s Birthday
Retired king Sihanouk is indisputably Cambodia’s most important modern
monarch and still widely regarded as divine.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Water Festival / Bon Om
Thook
Millions teem into Phnom Penh from the provinces to celebrate the end of
monsoon season. Dragon boats race for three days with the king
overseeing. Perhaps the best time of any for meeting the people and
enjoying the culture of Cambodia but the capital is impossibly crowded!
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Friday, 11 November 2011
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Cambodia Independence
Day
Marks anniversary of independence from France. King Sihamoni visits
Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.
Friday, 9 November 2011
Human Rights Day
A United Nations-inspired holiday. Unlikely to affect travel plans but
government offices are closed.
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Happy Cambodia Holidays 2011 ! Enjoy !
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