Thbong Khmum province once again embraced its rich cultural heritage with the annual Traditional Fishing Festival, a centuries-old custom passed down through generations. This year’s event took place on February 1 in Satum village, Choam Kravean commune, Memut district, celebrating the region’s deep-rooted fishing traditions while fostering joy and unity among local communities.
The festival commenced at 7:30 AM at Boeung Trapeang Krom, a sprawling wetland, where participants used traditional fishing tools such as angrut (woven fish traps), chhneang (basket traps), and trok (cast nets) to catch fish. According to Memut district authorities, the event not only preserves traditional fishing methods but also strengthens communal bonds and showcases Cambodia’s cultural richness.
H.E. Pen Kosal, Governor of Thbong Khmum province, presided over the ceremony alongside his spouse, Lok Chumteav Heng Sam An Pen Kosal, and H.E. Long Theam, President of the Provincial Council. The event also saw the participation of provincial leaders, local authorities, and an immense crowd of tens of thousands of locals and visitors from across the province and beyond.
Boeung Trapeang Krom spans 30 hectares of wetland, featuring 20 smaller ponds with rich aquatic vegetation. Every year in early February, local communities gather here to celebrate this time-honored festival, preparing and sharing their catch as part of a longstanding cultural practice. The festival highlights the importance of traditional fishing in the region’s history while reinforcing environmental sustainability and communal harmony.
In recent years, the Thbong Khmum provincial administration has expanded the event, drawing increasing participation through extensive media coverage by the Ministry of Information, the Thbong Khmum Provincial Information Department, and private media outlets. With its growing popularity, the festival has attracted not only local residents but also foreign tourists, establishing itself as one of Cambodia’s most anticipated cultural celebrations.
Source: Ministry of Information
