California claims some of the largest Cambodian enclaves in the U.S., with a population of roughly 9,000 people living in the Bay Area alone. On April 4, Oakland will toast its local Cambodian culture – with anybody welcome to join – at its annual Khmer New Year Festival.
The event sees the city’s Peralta Hacienda Historical Park transformed into a cultural village of sorts, popping with food, drink, music, art and dance. Co-produced by the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, the festival offers a day full of fun and tradition. There will be monk blessings and rituals, New Year’s-themed games and family activities. Classical and folk dances come from members of the community, and visitors can partake in live Khmer music in a graceful romvong circle dance.
Local restaurants and vendors will provide tasty and authentic food and beverages, and an exhibit called “Rhythm of the Refugee” will highlight stories of migration and resilience. “This year, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse – a symbol of courage, forward movement and renewed energy,” say the festival organizers. “In a time when so much of the world feels unsettled and many communities are witnessing conflict and division, this celebration is an invitation to return to what grounds us: culture, community and one another.”
Details: Festival takes place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at 2465 34th Ave., Oakland; free, peraltahacienda.org