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.