Cambodia, also known as Kampuchea, officially the Kingdom of Cambodia, is located in the southeastern part of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Cambodia Independence Day (Khmer: បុណ្យឯករាជ្យជាតិ) is celebrated annually in Cambodia every July 9th. The Independence Day of Cambodia commemorates Cambodia’s declaration of Independence from France on November 9, 1953. The memorial to the ceremony is at the Independence Monument.
Cambodia Independence Day 2023 Date
Cambodia Independence Day is celebrated on November 9 every year remembering its proclamation of independence on this day in 1953. The most important celebrations take place in the capital city of Phnom Penh, although there are some celebrations in several provinces. This year the day will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 9.
History of Cambodia Independence Day
France began ruling Cambodia in 1863 after Cambodia signed a Treaty with France King Norodom said that Cambodia was under the protection of France after August. France not only seized control of the country but also took control of commercial and military influence from Cambodia.
During World War II, the Japanese invaded and occupied Cambodia. Cambodia gained independence from Japanese forces on March 9, 1945, following a formal request by Cambodia’s King Norodom Sihanouk; and recognized Cambodia as an independent kingdom. The Japanese government also acknowledged Cambodia’s independent status and withdrew its troops. In 1946 Cambodia was granted partial sovereignty; not granted full independence but was recognized as a self-governing country within the French Union.
After nearly 90 years of colonization, King Norodom Sihanouk began demanding independence from France in 1949. In June 1952, King Sihanouk of Cambodia decided to fight for an independent Cambodia dismissing the cabinet, suspending the constitution, and taking over the government as prime minister.
In 1953, King Sihanouk favored full independence, and France decided to decolonize the entire country. Due to his dedication to Cambodia, Cambodian people saw him as the “father of independence” which meant he was a national hero. He, later, helped the country make rapid signs of progress.
Cambodia Independence Day Celebrations
Independence Day of Cambodia is celebrated with festivities, parades, and fireworks around the country. Cambodians celebrate the day in different places in the country but the main venue where the ceremony’s official celebrations take place is the Independence Monument which is located in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
Morning events include – hoisting the national flag, lighting a commemorative torch at the top of the Independence Monument, being presided over by the King of Cambodia, and people decorating the steps of the monument with floral wreaths.
Generally, roads surrounding the Independence Monument are closed to make room for the ceremony. The entire ceremony was broadcast on national television and radio as well as other channels so that people from across the country could witness the celebrations.
Each state palace is decorated with a series of slogans and lights representing Cambodia’s independence. On the night of the day, there are fireworks displays at the Chatomuk River located in front of the Royal Palace. Many people come out to witness the event in front of the Royal Palace and Chroy Changvar (opposite the Royal Palace) as it is a public holiday.
How to Celebrate Cambodia Independence Day
There are various ways to celebrate Cambodian Independence Day. Below we have given you 5 best ideas to celebrate Cambodia Independence Day –
1. Learn the History of Cambodia
Do you know the background history behind Cambodia's independence? If not, then it's time to read some history books and read about the beautiful country.
2. Consider a Trip to Cambodia
Cambodia is a country with amazing sights. Plan your next trip to Cambodia and visit the famous places.
3. Visit the Independence Monument
It is the best way to visit the Independence monument which is located in the capital city of Cambodia to pay tribute to the brave fighter of the country.
4. Witness Fireworks
Celebrate the day with the amazing fireworks display at the Chatomuk River which is located in front of the Royal Palace.
5. Visit a Museum
If you’re a native of Cambodia or not, visit the nearest museum and learn more about your country’s rich heritage.
Flag of Cambodia
The national flag of Cambodia consists of three horizontal bands that are blue, red (double width), and blue, which represent the white of Angkor Wat in the center of the red band. It has a proportion of 2:3 and was adopted in 1948 and readopted on 24 September 1993.
The current flag, with its blue border and red center (the stripes are in the proportion of 1:2:1), was adopted in 1948 after Cambodia’s partial independence. Angkor Wat Integrity signifies Justice and Heritage Religion, Blue refers to Liberty, Cooperation, and Brotherhood King, and Red symbolizes the Bravery of the Nation.
National Symbols of Cambodia
The national symbols of Cambodia include – the national flag, Angkor Wat(the ancient monument), the national anthem, and national emblems. In 2005, the Kingdom of Cambodia declared seven flora and fauna as national symbols to promote nationalism and to protect and conserve these plants and animals.
Cambodia's royal arms are the symbol of the Cambodian monarchy which existed relatively close, as indicated, to the establishment of the independent Kingdom of Cambodia in 1953. It is the symbol of the royal standard of Cambodia’s ruling monarch, currently King Norodom Sihamoni.
Other national symbols include –
- National fruit of Cambodia: Lady Finger banana
- National fish of Cambodia: Giant barb
- National tree of Cambodia: the Tnaot, or Borassus flabellifer
- National Bird of Cambodia: The Giant Ibis
- National flower of Cambodia: Romduol
- National animal of Cambodia: The Kouprey
- The national dish of Cambodia: Amok trey
National Anthem of Cambodia
Cambodia's national anthem "Nokoreach" (in English: Royal Kingdom) was adopted in 1941. The song is based on the traditional folk music of the region. It was restored in 1993 after the fall of the Communist regime.
What is the Independence Monument in Cambodia?
The Independence Monument (Khmer: វិមានឯករាជ្) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, was built in 1958 to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953. It is a lotus-shaped stupa seen at the Banteay Srei temple and other historic Khmer sites. It was designed by the Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann, and it is 37 meters tall.
Cambodia Independence Day 2023 Wishes Messages, Greetings
Every year, 9 November, is a special, happy day for the entire nation of Cambodia. Wish your loved ones Cambodia Independence Day with these wishes, messages, and greetings –
- Happy Cambodian Independence Day to all. Independence from French rule was not easy for us and therefore, respect the day by heart.
- Blessed are those who were born after 1953 as they have not experienced the atrocities of colonialism. Happy Independence Day in Cambodia!
- Lovely Cambodian Independence Day as Independence and Freedom means everything.
- No country can thrive without independence and no citizen can be happy. Happy Independence Day!
Happy Cambodia Independence Day 2023 Status, Captions
Independence Day is a portrayal of the Khmer's success over colonization. Below is a list of statuses and captions to share your thoughts on social media –
- Our national heroes gifted us freedom and therefore, we should contribute to the success of our country. Happy Independence Day Cambodia!
- Happy Independence Day Cambodia! Let’s enjoy the flavors of freedom without caution.
- As we celebrate Cambodia’s Independence Day, let us come together and celebrate this day with a great heart.
- Learning about our country’s history is a great way to celebrate Cambodia’s Independence Day.
Cambodia Independence Day 2023 SMS, Quotes
Visit historical monuments and museums to celebrate Cambodia’s fascinating Independence Day. Text your friends and family with these short messages (SMS) –
- Today we have the chance to visit the local museums in town and brush up on our knowledge about our independence.
- Happy Cambodian Independence Day! We are happy to be born in a free and independent country.
- Don’t forget to pay tribute to all the nation’s heroes who fought for Cambodia’s independence. Happy Independence Day!
- It’s time to put together books on stories about our nation’s liberation struggle. Happy Independence Day Cambodia!
France ruled Cambodia for approximately 90 years. French rule began with the 1863 treaty until 1953 when Cambodia was recognized as a French protectorate. Cambodia Independence Day is celebrated annually on November 9th. This is one of the most important days in Cambodia as this day was liberated in 1953 from French rule.