"The festival got its start in 2011 as an interactive exhibit titled 'Rhythm of the Refugee: A Cambodian Journey of Healing.' It showcased stories and photographs from the thousands of Cambodians who settled in Oakland and explored the ways they carried the trauma of what they witnessed from war and genocide."
"Attendees enjoyed a religious ceremony where Buddhist monks filled Alms bowls, one of only six physical items that a monk can possess, with rice."
"Some of the women who attended the festival wore traditional silk-woven sampot attire. These dresses and skirts are intricately embroidered with colorful patterns."
"The festival continues to be a way to heal and teach the younger generation to embrace tradition and culture."
The 14th Khmer New Year Street Festival in Oakland attracted around 1,500 attendees, honoring victims of the Cambodian Genocide and celebrating Khmer resilience. The festival features traditional performances, food, and crafts, while also showcasing a garden tended by the Iu Mien community. A religious ceremony with Buddhist monks was part of the event, emphasizing cultural heritage. The festival began in 2011 as an exhibit highlighting Cambodian stories and trauma, aiming to bridge generational divides and promote cultural connection among the diaspora.
Read at The Oaklandside
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