River festival

Each year in mid-November, Cambodia celebrates a three-day river festival. This festival follows the independence day on November 8, which marks the independence of Cambodia from the French colonial government. The main celebration takes place in the capital Phnom Penh and Cambodians come from all over the country to celebrate. The city of 4 million welcomes 2 million visitors for the river festival. During the day teams of men compete in boat races down the Mekong. The longboats are filled with up to 80 men, in two rows, all dressed in identical single-colored uniforms. These men come from the same region or village and travel with family and neighbors who cheer them on during the river festival. With the power of 80 men rowing in unison the boats move quite quickly through the water.



Along the banks of the Mekong hawkers sell balloons, toys, and food. On the first day of the festival I saw a military truck pull up to a group of hawkers and grab the wares off the back of the tuk-tuks (motorbikes with a carriage bolted to the back). Those who were able to get their bikes started rode away without suffering too much loss, but others with engine troubles saw all of their wares go to the thirsty soldiers.



At night, the river plays host to a parade. 20-foot tall floats of light power up the river to the delight of the millions of spectators on both sides. In the background fireworks light up the sky. Elsewhere in the city there are concerts and other celebrations. The first night I watched a concert presented by the Christian humanitarian organization World Vision. It seemed like the performers were well-known Cambodian pop stars. Since my Khmer language skills are poor, I couldn't really tell you much about the concert.