Kep Province Celebrates Khmer New Year with Food Fair and Traditional Games

On the afternoon of April 13, Kep province pulsed to the rhythm of the traditional Khmer New Year. In front of the iconic "I Love Kep" garden, the provincial administration unveiled a food fair and traditional games—a flagship initiative to honor ancestral customs.

The opening, presided over by His Excellency Dr. Som Piseth, Governor of Kep, brought together an enthusiastic crowd under radiant sunshine.

In his passionate speech, the governor hailed these games as a "cultural treasure passed down by our ancestors." Organizing such events during the New Year, he stressed, brings joy and entertainment while preserving national identity for future generations. A vision aligned with the Cambodian government's efforts to safeguard intangible heritage, as highlighted by UNESCO in its inscription of Khmer festivals on the cultural heritage list (source: UNESCO, 2023).

A Khmer-Flavored Gourmet Paradise

After the ceremony, His Excellency Som Piseth strolled through the culinary fair, a feast for the senses. Stalls overflowed with authentic Khmer specialties: fish amok fragrant with coconut milk, crispy spring rolls, sweet-and-sour soups, and fresh seafood caught in the Gulf of Thailand. Kep, with its beaches and marine freshness, is a gastronomic hotspot—the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism lists over 50 varieties of local dishes there.

The governor reminded exhibitors of the importance of fair pricing, urging them to avoid any surcharges during the holidays. A concrete gesture so everyone can enjoy these delights without hindrance, in the true spirit of Khmer hospitality.

Traditional Games: The Heartbeat of the Celebrations

The games stole the show: chaol chhoung (a duo race with a rattan ball), leik krouss (juggling with coconuts), and the trodang dance, all ancestral practices that unite families and communities.

This event is part of a series of festivals across Cambodia for the Khmer New Year (April 15-17), a sacred period marked by Theravada Buddhism and purification rituals. With over 1,000 visitors expected in Kep, it also boosts local tourism in a province that attracts 200,000 travelers annually according to official statistics.