30 January: Meak Bochea Day – 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.
08 March: International Women’s Day
13, 14, 15 April: Khmer New Year – The New Year Festival spans three days following the end of the harvest season. People clean and decorate their houses with altars of offerings. People play many traditional games at this time of the year.
28 April: Visak Bochea Day – Birthday of Buddha
01 May: International Labor Day
02 May: Royal Plowing Ceremony – Bonn Chroat Preah Nongkoal (Royal Ploughing Ceremony). The Royal Ploughing ceremony starts the planting season. It is performed by a man (King of Meakh) who leads the yoke and plough, and a woman (Queen Me Hour) who sows seeds. The sacred cows are led to silver trays containing rice, corn and other foods. Based on their choice, predictions are made for the coming year.
13, 14, 15 May: King’s Birthday – Royal Birthday of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath Norodom Sihamoni.
24 September: Constitution’s Day and Recreation Day of H.M. Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk
07, 08, 09 October: Bonn Pchum Ben – Phchum Ben is a celebration where people bring offerings to the Monks, and spend a day of worship at the pagoda.
29 October: Coronation of King Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromoneath Norodom Sihamoni
31 October: King’s Birthday – His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk’s Birthday Festivities are held throughout the capital city.
09 November: Independence Day – The date Cambodia achieved independence from France in 1953 is marked by a parade of spectacular floats highlighting the nations achievements.
20, 21, 22 November: Water and Moon Festival – Bonn Om Touk (Water Festival). A three-day festival not only marks the reversing of the current in the Tonle Sap river but ushers in the fishing season as well. The highlight of this event is the boat race in which more than 200 teams compete over three days for the top prize. As night falls, fireworks light the sky and a lighted flotilla of boats sail under the full moon.