Celebrating Cambodian Culture

The gentle breeze over the east side Sunday afternoon was the perfect complement for residents and visitors alike, as Cambodian and American flags waved together as the Cambodian New Year Parade returned for its fifteenth year.

The event, first hosted in 2005 to celebrate the Cambodian New Year, returned for the first time after the pandemic. The parade that traveled westbound on Anaheim Street from Cherry to Warren avenues bolsters some 61 participants ranging from community businesses, churches and city departments.

“I just want to be on the sidelines and support the Cambodian community and the whole Long Beach community,” said Stacy Timco, the long-time Cambodia Town resident, who has participated in the first and second parades and was in the crowd supporting family members. “My sister-in-law is [dancing] in the parade.”

The return of the parade resonated with those in the community as it brought out a projected 3,000 attendees.

“It’s the culture, and it’s great to see what Long Beach is showing this community,” said Savy Sao, a longtime Cambodia Town resident, born in Long Beach to Cambodian immigrants. “The city is showing a lot of respect for the Cambodian community.”

The parade featured over 60 participants ranging from Mayor Rex Richardson, Councilmember Suely Saro and Signal Hill City Councilmember Ed Wilson, who has participated in the parade for years.

“One of the things we like to do in Signal Hill is to make sure that we are responsive of all members of all our communities,” said Wilson. “We try to recognize the different communities and different groups in Signal Hill and the Greater Long Beach area that might not historically have been represented.”

Wilson shared that the Cambodian flag would be raised Monday morning at each civic building in conjunction with the American Flag.

Long Beach City College offered both a float and an honorary grand marshal.

“We have a lot of Cambodian students at Long Beach City College, but we need more,” said Long Beach City College Board Trustee Herlinda Chico. “Education breaks the poverty cycle, so let’s get educated!”

Chico, the first person of color elected to the board of trustees oversees District 4 of the LBCC area 4, which includes Cambodia Town.

The parade brought out members from community as well as community advocacy groups.

“We’re here to spend time together, to support our [Cambodian] friend and to support the Cambodian community,” said Gabriela Eddy, a community organizer for I Heart Long Beach and Roots of Unity, two non-profit organizations based in Long Beach.

“I’m here for the culture and to celebrate with my Cambodian family members,” said Long Beach resident Talia Watts. “I’m just excited to see the attire, the costumes, and just everyone having a good time.”

The parade drew participants from all over the region, with organizations coming from as far as Central California, with Fresno Cambodian Buddhist Society & Fresno Cambodian Night Market both marching in the parade. Cambodia Town is the largest Cambodian community in the world outside Cambodia.

New Life Church of the Nazarene located at 1800 E. Anaheim Street greeted passersby with water, candy and fruit and had their worship team entertain the crowd with live instruments and singing.

“This is really important for the Cambodian community,” said Aaron Sun, a longtime church member.

After the parade concluded, A festival of cultural activities, food, music and community speakers was held at Mac Arthur Park.

For more information on the parade, festival or community events, visit Cambodiatown.org.