PHNOM PENH: The Minister of Tourism presided over the opening ceremony of the festival on the 6th April, officially kicking off the festival celebrations.
There were many fun activities and performances on offer over the five days of the festival, including traditional ‘ramvong’ social dancing, traditional games like grab the tree branch, and over 300 stalls selling local and international products. Lots of scrumptious food stalls were also scattered around the festival grounds where locals could go to relax and grab a snack.
Socheata, a vendor at the event, said that she was very thankful to have events like this festival once again because it is important for her business, and ensures that she can continue to provide jobs and income for her staff during the pandemic. She added that she feels safe now because of the safety measures organizers had put in place, including alcohol sanitizing spray, an on-location ambulance, and a mask-wearing mandate.
Socheata said, “I like that [this festival] supports local products and many people have joined this event. What I appreciate most is that out of ten people, all ten wear their masks. So they join this event but never forget to follow the 3 Do’s and 3 Don’t’s.”
The five-day festival featured several TikTok competitions, with TikTok stars competing for the first ever TikTok award given in Cambodia, and to separately also raise money for the Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital. Bo Ranich, one of the festival organizers, said she was surprised to see so many people had actually turned out for the event. While speaking to her, she was especially passionate about raising money for the Kantha Bopha hospital.
Bo Ranich said, “One of the things that we’re doing here is also raising funds for Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital, because this hospital has helped many children in Cambodia, millions even, so the hospital has saved many children. Even my child was treated at the hospital for free. So all of us should help chip in with what little we can to help Kantha Bopha.”
A handful of superstar singers also performed throughout the day, before the EDM event took over to close out the night. There was plenty of space for people to rest and eat on the festival grounds, including water fountains to play around. An incredible fireworks display was also held during the night.
In addition to dancing, playing traditional games, watching concerts or traditional theatre, adults and children alike could enjoy fun rides, trampolines, bouncy castles, and other carnival amusement games, to win teddy bears and other stuffed animals.
The festival was concluded with a beauty pageant and the contest between the TikTok stars was held on stage for all to see.
