DES MOINES, Iowa — The Cambodian New Year is just a week away and here in Des Moines communities gathered to celebrate and learn.

The Cambodian New Year, also known as Khmer, is a traditional celebration of the solar new year in Cambodia. The celebrations lasts three days, falling at the end of harvesting season, allowing farmers to enjoy the fruits of their labor. This year the holiday goes from April 14 to 16.

On the first day, people dress elegantly and offer incense, flowers and gifts at their temples of worship. On the second day, people perform acts of charity and some travel to pay homage to ancestors. Finally on the last day, people bid goodbye to the year and cleanse themselves for the new year.

Toney Chem, Angkor Wat Friendship Association, Inc Vice President, says it means everything to bring the celebration to the greater Des Moines area and share the tradition while keeping it alive.

“We grew up as small kids, always wanting to do something like this, it’s a dream come true and to see everyone we know, and the Cambodian community come out to support us is absolutely amazing,” said Chem. “Cambodia has an amazing story, and we are here to let everyone know we are ready to be seen and heard.”

This is the third year that the Angkor Wat Friendship Association, Inc has hosted a Khmer celebration and each year the party grows. During the celebration traditional dance, music, games, and food help share the holiday’s history and prepare families for the new year.

“We hope that we raise awareness among others and fundraise for the community so that we may continue the traditions, celebrations, and culture of the Cambodian people. Most of our families immigrated to Iowa in the late 1970s and early 1980s as refugees,” said Emily Frimml, Board President of the Angkor Wat Friendship Association, Inc. “Since then, the older generation of Cambodians set a good foundation for our community, it is time for other generations to carry on the culture and heritage.”

Frimml says the organization hopes to start educational programs for younger generations and eventually establish a community space that resembles the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.