California is home to some of the largest Cambodian communities in the United States, including roughly 9,000 people residing in the Bay Area alone. On April 4, Oakland will celebrate its local Cambodian culture at the annual Khmer New Year Festival, welcoming all to join in the festivities.
The event will take place at the city’s Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, where it will be transformed into a cultural village filled with food, drinks, music, art, and dance. Co-produced by the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, the festival promises a day of fun and tradition, featuring monk blessings, rituals, New Year-themed games, family activities, classical and folk dances, and live Khmer music in a graceful romvong circle dance.
Local restaurants and vendors will be offering tasty and authentic Cambodian cuisine and beverages, while an exhibit titled “Rhythm of the Refugee” will showcase stories of migration and resilience. This year’s festival will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizing courage, forward movement, and renewed energy. Organizers emphasize that amidst global uncertainty and division, the celebration serves as a reminder to reconnect with our roots: culture, community, and unity.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2465 34th Ave., Oakland, and admission is free. More information can be found at peraltahacienda.org.
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