Preserving the Kingdom’s precious traditions are a central part of the Village Festival. Supplied
Get ready for an unforgettable cultural experience at the 2025 Village Festival, a remarkable event that promises to celebrate Cambodia’s rich traditions and bring them to life in a way you've never seen before.
Held on April 5-6 and April 11-12, this year’s festival is set to be even bigger and better, featuring a range of exciting activities, performances, and workshops that highlight the beauty of Khmer folk games, arts and culture.
For the first time ever, the Village Festival will be held in two locations. The first event will take place at Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall from April 5-6, while the second event will be held at Svay Andet Pagoda on April 11-12.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Village Festival is a must-see event that brings people together to celebrate and preserve Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.
Entertainers had the crowd dancing at last year’s event, and organisers expect even more fun this year. Supplied
Traditional folk games
One of the standout features of this year's Village Festival is its dedication to preserving and enhancing traditional Khmer folk games.
Festival director and co-founder, Rithy Lomorpich (YoKi), explained that the festival is focusing on the five pillars of Khmer folk games, aiming to elevate them with proper branding.
“For example, the beloved ‘pot hitting’ game, a highlight of the festival, will be featured again this year using 112 pots, with the last number, 12, symbolizing the 12th year of the Village Festival,” said YoKi.
Other traditional games include the famous tug-of-war, or "Teanh Prot," with vines harvested from Kampong Thom and Siem Reap provinces following ancient traditions.
“A new addition this year is the twirling of the 12 rings, a game designed to symbolize prosperity and good luck,” she said.
Enthusiastic members of the public take part in a traditional tug of war at a previous festival. Supplied
Promoting traditional customs
One pillar is the nightly Kben (hem of the sampot, the traditional Cambodian skirt) program, where participants can wear their own Kben from home or borrow one at the festival and join in the fun.
This activity encourages cultural immersion and brings people together to celebrate the Kingdom’s traditional fashion and style.
“Another cultural initiative is the Art House, which offers workshops on crafting Khmer New Year star lanterns, making flower garlands, folding lucky charms and creating the 12 animal figures of the New Year, among other traditional crafts,” said YoKi.
These hands-on experiences allow participants to connect with Cambodia's artistic heritage while learning valuable skills that have been passed down through generations.
A performance from a previous Village Festival. Supplied
Mat-laying to watch traditional Lakhon
Another pillar of the festival is the traditional mat-laying, to watch traditional theatre performances.
The festival will focus on the theme “Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Protection,” shining a light on some of Cambodia’s rarest and most endangered art forms.
“You’ll be able to witness performances from village theatre groups such as Nippech village in Kampong Thom, the traditional theatre of Wat Kien Svay Krao, Lakhon Khol theatre from Wat Svay Andet, and the female narrative theatre — arts that are on the brink of extinction and need urgent preservation,” YoKi told The Post.
“These traditional arts are part of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. We want to give them a platform to be shared with the public while honouring their legacy.”
Organisers and artists gather at Svay Andet Pagoda. Supplied
Contemporary art and culture movement
In addition to folk games and traditional theatre, the festival will feature an impressive art installation, including the giant contemporary art piece “Kleeng Chae, Kleeng Chey,” created by artists Ketthia and Marina.
“This installation, inspired by Khmer kites, symbolises hope and reflects modern artistic expressions,” said YoKi.
YoKi hopes the 2025 Village Festival, which she expected to attract an estimated 120,000 participants, will become a monumental event in the preservation of Cambodia’s artistic heritage.
“We want to bring back the joy and festive spirit of the Khmer New Year while celebrating the arts and traditions that make Cambodia unique," she said.
The 2025 Village Festival is proudly organised by PlerngKob, with support from Cambodia Water Co., Chip Mong Bank, KIZZ and several media partners, including Kampucheers, VAYO FM Radio, and The Phnom Penh Post.
It’s an event that not only brings joy but also plays a crucial role in preserving the traditions that define Cambodia’s cultural identity.
Mark your calendars and get ready to join the festivities on April 5-6 at Chip Mong 271 Mega Mall and April 11-12 at Svay Andet Pagoda!
