Celebrations of Water Festival 2010

Bonn Om Teuk (the Festival of Boat Racing) is an annual boat rowing contest which has become the largest spectator event in Cambodia as well as a national festival. Held each year at the end of the rainy season Bonn Om Teuk is celebrated when the Mekong river begins to sink back to its normal levels allowing the Tonle Sap River to reverse its flow. As approximately 10% of Cambodia's population attends this event each year to play games, give thanks to the moon, watch fireworks, and attend the boat race in a carnival-type atmosphere it must, in terms of per-capita attendance, be the largest spectator event anywhere in the world. Popular games and activities which occur during the festival include cockfighting, soccer, and the kicking of a "sey" - which is similar to a footbag. Concerts and performances by both traditional and more modern artists (players and musicians) are also more common in recent times.