Thursday, September 04, 2008

In US, Cambodians Celebrate Community

By Sivon Brahm, VOA Khmer
Original report from Virginia
03 September 2008



This year's Cambodian Community Day, celebrated in Alexandria, Va., featured a mohori ensemble, classical and folk dances, and a showcase of Cambodian livelihoods, including an open market, rice mill, palm-tree climbers, traditional wedding, cooking show and the making of silk flowers.

The festival, held in Alexandria's Ben Brenman park on Sunday, was co-sponsored by the Alexandria Department of Recreation and the Cambodian Community Day committee, among others.

Sophia Tep, chairman of the Community Day committee, welcomed guests, who were able move under several tents to see traditional Cambodian daily life.

Tropical fruit was available in the market, and visitors watched as a groom carried traditional gifts in a procession for his bride. Music for the procession was provided by a master of classical music, Chum Ngek.

A woman named Pha Ngin showed her skills at making silk flowers and cook Demaz Tep had on offer sweet rice with fresh lobster, beef salad and green mango salad for visitors.

Proceeds from the event went to supporting Cambodian culture and higher education in the US.

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