2024 Public Holidays in Cambodia

Public Holidays in Cambodia 2024

Cambodia, a country located in Southeast Asia, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the nation’s cultural, religious, and historical heritage, providing opportunities for Cambodians to come together, honor traditions, and commemorate significant events. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Cambodia for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is celebrated worldwide on January 1st. In Cambodia, it is a time for gatherings with family and friends, enjoying festive meals, and participating in various cultural and recreational activities. Many Cambodians also visit temples to make offerings and seek blessings for the new year.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Meak Bochea Day – February 11, 2024

Meak Bochea, also known as Magha Puja in other Buddhist countries, is an important religious holiday commemorating a spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks who came to pay homage to the Buddha without prior arrangement. On this day, Cambodian Buddhists visit pagodas to make offerings, listen to sermons, and observe Buddhist precepts.

Days off: Meak Bochea Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

International Women’s Day – March 8, 2024

International Women’s Day is celebrated worldwide on March 8th to honor the achievements of women and promote gender equality. In Cambodia, it is an occasion to recognize the contributions of women to society, raise awareness about gender issues, and advocate for women’s rights. Various events, seminars, and cultural performances are organized to celebrate women’s achievements and address challenges they face.

Days off: International Women’s Day is not a public holiday in Cambodia, but it is recognized and celebrated by various organizations and institutions.

Khmer New Year – April 14-16, 2024

Khmer New Year, also known as Chaul Chnam Thmey, is one of the most important holidays in Cambodia. It marks the beginning of the traditional lunar new year and is celebrated with elaborate rituals, ceremonies, and festivities. During Khmer New Year, Cambodians engage in various traditional customs such as visiting temples, offering food to monks, and participating in water festivals, where people splash water on each other as a symbol of cleansing and purification.

Days off: Khmer New Year is a major public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide for three days, providing a significant break for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Visak Bochea Day – May 9, 2024

Visak Bochea, also known as Vesak or Buddha Day, is one of the most sacred days in Buddhism as it commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha. Cambodian Buddhists celebrate Visak Bochea by visiting pagodas, making offerings, and engaging in acts of kindness and generosity. Special ceremonies and processions are held to honor the Buddha’s teachings and reflect on their significance.

Days off: Visak Bochea Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday – May 14, 2024

King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday is a national holiday in Cambodia, celebrating the birth of the reigning monarch. It is an occasion for Cambodians to express their loyalty and respect to the king. Various events and ceremonies are organized to honor King Norodom Sihamoni, including religious services, cultural performances, and public gatherings.

Days off: King Norodom Sihamoni’s Birthday is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Royal Plowing Ceremony – June 10, 2024

The Royal Plowing Ceremony, also known as Pithi Chrat Preah Neangkol, is an ancient Khmer tradition dating back to the Angkorian era. It marks the beginning of the rice-growing season and is presided over by the king or a representative of the royal family. During the ceremony, sacred oxen are used to plow a ceremonial furrow, and predictions are made about the upcoming harvest based on their behavior.

Days off: The Royal Plowing Ceremony is not a public holiday in Cambodia, but it is an important cultural event observed with ceremonies and rituals.

Ancestors’ Day – September 26, 2024

Ancestors’ Day, also known as Pchum Ben, is a significant religious holiday in Cambodia dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. During the 15-day observance period, Cambodians visit pagodas to offer food, prayers, and blessings to the spirits of their ancestors. The last day of Pchum Ben is a public holiday, marked by special ceremonies and rituals.

Days off: Ancestors’ Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Constitution Day – September 24, 2024

Constitution Day commemorates the promulgation of the Cambodian constitution on September 24, 1993. It is a day to reflect on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law enshrined in the constitution. Various events and activities are organized to promote civic awareness and educate the public about the importance of the constitution.

Days off: Constitution Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) – November 1-3, 2024

The Water Festival, also known as Bon Om Touk, is one of the largest and most colorful festivals in Cambodia. It commemorates the reversal of the flow of the Tonle Sap River and marks the end of the rainy season. The festival features boat races, illuminated floats, and lively celebrations along the riverbanks. It is a time for Cambodians to enjoy music, dance, and traditional performances.

Days off: The Water Festival is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide for three days, providing a significant break for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Independence Day – November 9, 2024

Independence Day in Cambodia commemorates the country’s independence from French colonial rule on November 9, 1953. It is a day of national pride and patriotism, marked by flag-raising ceremonies, parades, cultural performances, and speeches by government officials. Independence Day is an opportunity for Cambodians to celebrate their sovereignty and reflect on their nation’s history.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Cambodia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

International Human Rights Day – December 10, 2024

International Human Rights Day is celebrated worldwide on December 10th to honor the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. In Cambodia, it is an occasion to raise awareness about human rights issues, promote social justice, and advocate for the protection of human rights. Various events, seminars, and workshops are organized to highlight the importance of human rights and address challenges facing vulnerable populations.

Days off: International Human Rights Day is not a public holiday in Cambodia, but it is recognized and celebrated by various organizations and institutions.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Cambodia 2024