Khmer New Year actually falls around the same time, so you’ll get to experience two celebrations for the price of one, Easter in Cambodia and Khmer New Year! In this article, we’ll cover everything you want to know about Easter in Cambodia.
Easter Traditions in Cambodia
Easter in Cambodia looks a lot different than in Western countries. As a predominantly Buddhist nation, most Cambodians don’t celebrate Easter religiously. However, some Christian Cambodians and expats do take part in special events. If you find yourself in Cambodia during Easter, here are a few things you can expect:
- Colorful Eggs. While Cambodians don’t participate in Easter egg hunts, you may spot some decorated eggs in Christian communities and expat circles. The eggs are usually hard-boiled and dyed in bright colors, then given as gifts.
- Special Church Services. For Christians in Cambodia, Easter Sunday church services are the highlight. They celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with hymns, prayers and communion. Major churches like the New life fellowship in Phnom Penh often see the largest crowds.
- An Excuse to Feast. Cambodians love a good festival, even if they don’t fully observe the religious meaning. Easter provides an opportunity for people to get together, eat and make merry. You’ll find more lavish meals with ham, lamb or even turkey on the table.
- Time Off from Work. Schools and some businesses close on Good Friday and Easter Monday. While not an official Cambodian public holiday, the time off allows those who want to celebrate Easter to do so. Teachers and students are always happy for a few extra days of rest!
- Aid Events. Non-profits and charities, especially those with Christian roots, may organize special events around Easter to help the poor and less fortunate. Donations, meals, and small gifts are given to people in need. Even if you’re not religious, these aid events are a meaningful way to celebrate the spirit of Easter.
Easter in Cambodia is a quiet, low-key affair compared to the fanfare in Western nations. But for the Christian community and expats who call Cambodia home, it remains an important time of faith, togetherness and giving back. Join in the celebrations and you’ll get a glimpse into how Easter is observed in this predominantly Buddhist kingdom.
Where to Celebrate Easter in Cambodia
Cambodia has a small but growing Christian population, so Easter is celebrated throughout the country, especially in larger cities. Here are some of the best places to experience Easter in Cambodia:
Phnom Penh, the capital city, is home to several Christian churches that hold special Easter services and events. The Roman Catholic St. Joseph’s Cathedral located near the riverfront holds masses on Easter Sunday. You can also attend the Easter egg hunt and picnic at the Phnom Penh International Church.
Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Wat temples, also has opportunities to celebrate Easter. Join the Easter sunrise service at the Anglican Church or attend the special Easter. The local expat community hosts an annual Easter egg hunt and brunch at a hotel or restaurant in town.
Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city, has a few Christian churches that welcome visitors for Easter services like Light Community Church. After the service, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants along the Sangker River.
Kampot, a riverside town in southern Cambodia, has some colonial-era churches that hold Easter services. Following the mass, go on a boat tour of the Kampot River to see scenic views of the Elephant Mountains or relax on the riverfront promenade.
While Easter may be observed differently in Cambodia compared to Western countries, attending a church service, going on an Easter egg hunt and enjoying a nice brunch or dinner with friends and family are wonderful ways to experience the Easter spirit during your trip. Have a joyous Easter in Cambodia!
Easter Food and Drink in Cambodia
During Easter in Cambodia, you’ll find that the cuisine and drinks are influenced by the country’s Buddhist heritage rather than Christian traditions. That said, you may still find some familiar Easter treats with a Cambodian twist.
One popular Cambodian Easter dish is curry chicken with hard-boiled eggs. Chicken curry, mixed with coconut milk and a blend of spices like turmeric, coriander and lemongrass, is usually served over rice. For Easter, cooks will add hard-boiled eggs to the curry, with the eggs symbolizing new life.
Fresh tropical fruit is always a favorite in Cambodia. Around Easter time, fruit salads, smoothies and shakes made from mangoes, bananas, papaya and coconut milk are popular.
No Cambodian meal is complete without a refreshing drink. Iced coffee, fruit shakes and fresh-squeezed sugarcane juice are popular year-round. For Easter, you may find pastel-colored fruit punches, lemonades or fruit smoothies. Coconut water, straight from the coconut, is also always a refreshing choice.
Whether you’re in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap or one of Cambodia’s beach towns, the food and drinks around Easter will give you a taste of the country’s unique culture and flavors. While less focused on chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks, a Cambodian Easter spread with curry, tropical fruit, and coconut-infused treats can be just as satisfying.
Easter Events and Activities in Cambodia
Cambodia is a predominantly Buddhist country, but Easter is still celebrated, especially in areas with larger Christian populations. If you find yourself in Cambodia during Easter, here are some events and activities you can experience:
- Attend an Easter church service. Larger cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Battambang have Christian churches that hold Easter services. You’ll see locals and expats alike attending services and dressed in their Easter best.
- Visit the Catholic church in Phnom Penh. The capital city’s Catholic church, located near the Royal Palace, is especially busy during Easter. People gather for Mass and festivities like Easter egg hunts on the church grounds.
- Check out the Easter decorations. Some shops, hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas, decorate for Easter with pastel colors, bunny motifs, and spring flowers.
- Have an Easter brunch or dinner. Some high-end hotels like the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort in Siem Reap and the Rosewood Phnom Penh offer special brunches, dinners and egg hunts over the Easter weekend. These lavish affairs, while pricey, are a chance to dress up and dine on classic Easter fare.
- Buy Easter treats. Head to a market or grocery store around Easter and you may spot treats like hot cross buns, marshmallows for roasting, chocolates, and Cambodian fruits fashioned into Easter baskets. Bakeries also make special Easter cakes and cupcakes this time of year.
- Volunteer or donate. Some Christian charities and orphanages accept volunteers or donations around Easter time. Helping out is a meaningful way to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Easter may not be a major holiday in Cambodia, but there are still opportunities to join in some familiar Easter traditions or experience how the Cambodian Christian community celebrates this important festival. With colorful cultural events, culinary delights and chances to give back, Easter in Cambodia can be a joyful time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easter in Cambodia
What is Easter like in Cambodia?
Easter in Cambodia is a solemn religious holiday, rather than a big commercialized celebration like in Western countries. About 90% of Cambodians are Buddhist, so Easter is mainly observed by the Christian minority. During Holy Week leading up to Easter, Christians attend special church services and some businesses may be closed on Good Friday. On Easter Sunday, Christians attend church services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. After church, families may gather for a special Easter meal of food like fruit salad, meat, soup and rice.
Do Cambodians decorate eggs or have Easter egg hunts?
Easter egg decorating and egg hunts are not traditionally part of Khmer culture, so these activities are less common in Cambodia. Some Christian families may color hard-boiled eggs red to symbolize the blood of Jesus, but egg hunts and baskets of treats are rare.
What special foods do Cambodians eat at Easter?
Some traditional Cambodian Easter foods include:
- Fruit salad – Made of tropical fruits like mango, papaya, dragon fruit and banana. Fruit represents new life and springtime.
- Beef or chicken soup – Hearty, comforting soup is popular for Easter dinner. The broth is flavored with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves and chili peppers.
- Rice – Steamed rice is served with every Cambodian meal. Rice symbolizes life, fertility and renewal.
- Sticky rice – Sweet sticky rice, usually mango sticky rice, may be served as a dessert. The sticky, chewy rice represents togetherness.
What are some common Easter greetings in Cambodia?
The most common Easter greetings in Cambodia are:
- Choul Chnam Oun Sooda (Khmer for “Happy Easter”)
- Sooda Munus (meaning “He is risen”)
- Choul Chnam Thmey Oun Sooda (“Happy New Year and Happy Easter”)
- Choul Chnam Oun Sooda, Choul Chnam Thmey Sooda (“Wishing you Easter blessings and a Happy New Year”)
Cambodians sometimes combine Easter and Khmer New Year greetings since the holidays are celebrated around the same time. Politely wishing someone “Choul Chnam Oun Sooda” or “Sooda Munus” is a kind way to acknowledge this important religious festival.
You might also want to read:
Christianity in Cambodia: How Christianity is transforming Cambodian society!
Top churches in Cambodia: A Guide for International Visitors