Cambodian New Year Celebration brings two days of culture, cuisine and community to Lexington

The Cambodian New Year will be ringing in with drumbeats, dance, and delicious cuisine as the Lexington Cambodian Community Center of Lexington, North Carolina hosts its annual New Year Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, April 19–20, 2025.

Held at the Cambodian Cultural Center in Lexington, the two-day public festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day, welcoming all to experience a powerful blend of celebration and remembrance through Khmer culture — with spiritual blessings, Apsara dance, traditional music, and vibrant cuisine.

This year’s celebration comes at a time of deep reflection.
April 17th, 1975, marks the day the Khmer Rouge took control of Phnom Penh, beginning a nearly four-year reign of terror under Pol Pot’s regime. An estimated two million Cambodians—about a quarter of the population—were killed through forced labor, starvation, torture, and execution.

“We honor the memory of the victims of the Cambodian genocide and stand in solidarity with survivors and their families. Their resilience in the face of such deep tragedy is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.,” wrote Veronica Tim. “May we never forget. May we always speak out against hate, and may history never repeat itself.”

While Chaul Chnam Thmey is traditionally a time for joy and renewal, this year’s celebration also serves as a memorial — a place to grieve, reflect, and celebrate the survival of culture and spirit.

Guests can expect a range of cultural experiences throughout the weekend, including live music, cultural food vendors, and the gentle water rituals symbolizing cleansing and new beginnings.

Event Details
📍 235 Cambodian Cultural Center – Lexington, NC
📅 Saturday & Sunday, April 19–20, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🌐 Free | Open to the Public

Whether you're reconnecting with heritage or experiencing it for the first time, this event stands as a testament to healing, remembrance, and the unbreakable spirit of a people who continue to rise.