Khmer New Year, celebrated by Cambodians both in Cambodia and elsewhere around the world, is taking place this week. Beginning on Wednesday, April 14th, at 7:36 am local time, the Year of the Tiger began. During Khmer New Year, Cambodian cities empty out as people flock to the countryside homes of their youth to visit parents and relatives. For those interested in immersing themselves in Cambodian culture and language, there are many ways to volunteer in Cambodia.
Cambodian New Year takes place in the middle of April each year, at the end of the farming season and before the rains of the monsoon season begin. Celebrations take place all over the country, ranging from fireworks to traditional games of knotted scarf throwing, tug-of-war, and leaf snatching. Special meals are prepared in celebration, especially kralan, which is a type of cake made from steamed rice that is mixed with peas or beans, shredded coconut, and coconut milk. The resulting concoction gets pushed into a bamboo stick and is roasted slowly over a fire.
Volunteers are needed in Cambodia to teach English, help in orphanages, work on community projects, and much more. If you are interested in living and volunteering in this amazing country, take a look at our volunteer in Cambodia directory and AmeriSpan Cambodia Volunteer programs.
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