Sour Sdey Chhan Thmey !!! (That's Happy New Year in Khmer, the language of Cambodia.)

Normally, I post Cambodian-related items on Friday, but with many communities in the US preparing Cambodian New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) festivities beginning on Saturday, I thought I'd get the information out early enough for those in the areas celebrating the event to have time to make plans to attend. There will loads of ringing in the Year of the Pig with music, traditional dance, food and fun, and you don't have to be a parent of a Cambodian-born child to have a wonderful time ... but it might make it more fun!

If you're in Rhode Island, the Dhamagosnaram Buddhist Temple in Cranston starts their festivities Friday, the 13th, and they'll run through Sunday.

In the Washington, DC area, (Arlington, VA) on the 29th of April the Dance Troupe and Music Ensemble of Cambodian American Heritage will put of a program of Cambodian classical dance and music celebrating the Year of the Pig. Curtain is at 5 pm, and there is a charge for admission. The Cambodian Heritage Organization has more info.

Also in Arlington, Theatre One at Gunston will have a, " ...stunningly beautiful celebration of Cambodian artistry, history and culture. Featuring the drama and passion of Cambodian classical dance rescued from the tyranny of the Pol Pot regime, alongside lighthearted folk dance and traditional music, the ensemble ranks among the most acclaimed in the United States." See the Cambodian Heritage site linked above for info on this, as well.

New Britain, CT will celebrate at the Marchegian Ballroom on Saturday, 14 April.

Amicalola Falls, GA will host the Southeast Families With Cambodian Children celebration also on the 14th.

The Seattle Sihanoukville Sister City Association had their event last weekend. Sorry about that ...

In Tacoma, WA, however, still coming up on the 14th, the Khmer Theravadin Buddhist Association of Tacoma and Pierce County will be hosting a traditional Cambodian New Year celebration. They're expecting more than 10,000 people attending, and it should be a hoot and a half.

Also in Tacoma, on Friday the 13th at 8:30pm the Emerald Queen Casino will mark the occasion with a free show featuring Cambodian entertainers for the night.

In Long Beach, CA, a city with a large Cambodian population, the 21st of April will see an all day event with religious ceremonies, traditional games, stage performances and much, much more taking place in El Dorado Park. Tickets are available in various locations all over town.

If you've not had the pleasure of listening to traditional Cambodian music, you should treat yourself at one of these events if you can.

If you'd like more information on Cambodian New Year and the places that are holding celebrations, visit the Families With Cambodian Children site.

For information on Cambodian adoptions, still tragically under suspension in the US and UK, Adoption.com has a bit.