Cambodia ushered in the New Year with a spectacular celebration on Tuesday night, featuring a grand parade, vibrant cultural performances, and a dazzling fireworks display in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh.
On New Year’s Eve, hundreds of thousands of people, including Cambodians and foreigners, gathered in key locations in the heart of Phnom Penh, including Hun Sen Park, Koh Pich, Wat Phnom, and the Royal Palace, for the New Year countdown. While waiting for the last second of 2024, they were engaging in numerous entertainments, including dancing at live concerts.
The “Celebrating Cambodia” event, the key highlight of this year’s New Year countdown in the Kingdom, captivated tens of thousands of revellers with its colourful and elaborate showcase of the nation’s heritage.
Organised by the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC), the parade brought together around 3,000 participants in a stunning display of traditional artistry and cultural pride.
Highlights included 160 traditional theatre giants, 85 Ting Mong puppets, six other large puppets, a giant drum, and three giant 14-metre inflatables, with the spectacle culminating in the ceremonial raising of the national flag.
The parade’s blend of artistic elements and cultural symbolism provided a visual feast for attendees, reflecting the depth and diversity of Cambodian heritage. The Ting Mong puppets and traditional theatre giants, steeped in folklore, symbolised protection and the preservation of cultural values, while the larger-than-life inflatables and fireworks infused the event with a modern celebratory spirit.
Deputy Prime Minister and Civil Service Minister Hun Many, who also serves as the UYFC president, emphasised the event’s role in promoting Cambodia’s cultural identity. “It aims to connect people, both in the country and abroad, as well as to promote pride in national unity,” he said in his speech at the event.
Many also highlighted the significance of the celebration in showcasing Cambodia’s unique traditions to both domestic and international audiences. “This event is a testament to the Kingdom’s rich and beautiful culture, tradition, and custom,” he added.
No major incidents concerning public security were reported, except for a small fire that damaged part of the decorations at the “Celebrating Cambodia” venue after midnight. The fire was put under control almost immediately, and no one was injured in the incident.
“The ‘Celebrating Cambodia’ event took place in a joyful and festive atmosphere, leaving behind smiles and a sense of unity as a large Khmer family. Unfortunately, at the end of the event, an unexpected fire incident occurred,” Many posted on his social media yesterday morning. “However, it was promptly managed by the authorities present at the scene, ensuring no harm came to the participants. Currently, the organising team is collaborating with the authorities to investigate the cause of the incident.”
Meanwhile, when it comes to traffic accidents, it was reported that for the whole country that only four people lost their lives on New Year’s Eve while there were six on the same day last year, although the number of people who were injured this year doubled compared to last year, specifically 10 to 5.
Meanwhile, the New Year countdown also saw vibrant activities and celebrations in Cambodia’s iconic tourist attractions outside of the capital.
The Siem Read Provincial Administration organised several events, including cultural and entertainment performances at the Royal Garden in Siem Reap City. The official opening of the dancing water fountain show was 7pm to midnight at the fountain along the Siem Reap River, north of the Angkor Bridge. Additionally, a midnight fireworks display marked the New Year at the 60-Metre Road Night Market and the Royal Garden in Siem Reap City.
Meanwhile, Ham Arun, Deputy Director of the Battambang Provincial Department of Tourism, said yesterday that during the New Year celebrations from December 29 to 31, 2024, the provincial administration organised a three-day food and dessert exhibition in the heart of Battambang city.
The coastal areas of Kampot and Preah Sihanouk provinces saw significant tourist activity during the New Year celebrations with smooth travel, reasonable food prices, and no notable incidents reported. The influx of visitors caused minor traffic congestion in some areas, while security and public order in both provinces were maintained, with authorities ensuring safety at key locations.
The success of the event was attributed to effective planning and coordination, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Prime Minister Hun Manet yesterday took to social media to thank the officials and organisers who ensured that the nation enjoyed joyful and safe New Year celebrations.
“Thank you to the team from the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia, youth volunteers, Phnom Penh City Hall, all branches of the armed forces, sanitation teams, and all support teams for their collaboration in organising the ‘Celebrating Cambodia” event smoothly and safely,” he wrote. “Your efforts ensured a secure and orderly environment for participants, including locals and national and international tourists, who joined in the festivities and celebrated the New Year.”
