Editing Phnom Penh (section)

==Culture==
[[File:Driedphnompenhnoodles.jpg|thumb|right|"Dried" version of Phnom Penh noodles with soup broth on the side.]]
Phnom Penh also has its own dialect of [[Khmer language|Khmer]]. Speakers of the Phnom Penh dialect often [[elide]] syllables, which has earned it a reputation for being lazy speech. Phnom Penh is also known for its influence on [[New Khmer Architecture]]. Phnom Penh is notable for [[Ka tieu]] Phnom Penh, its variation on rice noodle soup, a dish available in sit-down cafes as well as street cafes.

The city hosts a number of music events throughout the city. [[Indie band]]s have grown in number due also in part to the emergence of private music schools such as SoundsKool Music (also operating in the city of Siem Reap), and Music Arts School (registered as a [[non-governmental organization]]). The Cambodian fishing dance originated in Phnom Penh at the [[Royal University of Fine Arts]] in the 1960s.<ref>Khmer Traditional Dance and Shadow Theater. (n.d.). Canby Publications. Retrieved August 19, 2020, from https://www.canbypublications.com/siemreap/srothersr.htm</ref>

[[File:Khmer_folk_dance.JPG|thumb|right|The Cambodian fishing dance originated from Phnom Penh.]]
The two most visited museums in the city are the [[National Museum of Cambodia|National Museum]], which is the country's leading historical and archaeological museum, and [[Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum]], a former Khmer Rouge prison. The [[National Museum of Cambodia|National Museum]] hosts celebrations of Cambodian dance and music, including a popular classic [[Apsara Dance|Apsara dance]] show of traditional folk dances as well as original creations.

=== Cambodian New Year ===
{{main|Choul Chnam Thmey}}

At this time, Phnom Penh celebrates [[Cambodian New Year]], an occasion increasingly popular with tourists. During this typically hottest part of the year, water gets thrown around adding to the party atmosphere along with dancing and music. The precise date changes year-by-year but this holiday lasts, at least, three days. This festival marks the turn of the year based on the ancient Khmer calendar and also marks the end of the prior year harvest.

=== Water Festival ===
{{main|Bon Om Touk}}
[[File:Boat_Racing_Bon_Om_Touk.jpg|thumb|right|Colorful boats during [[Bon Om Touk]].]]
The largest annual festival in Phnom Penh, this lively gathering celebrates the reversing of the flow of the Tonlé Sap River. The holiday lasts three days as people flood into the city to enjoy the fireworks, boat races, live concerts, eating and partying. The boat racing dates back to ancient times marking the strengths of the Khmer marine forces during the [[Khmer Empire]].

On 22 November 2010, at least 348 people were crushed to death in a [[Phnom Penh stampede|bridge stampede]] at the festival.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/cambodia-festival-stampede-leaves-almost-350-dead-20101123-184ew.html |location=Melbourne |work=The Age |first=Suy |last=Se |title=Cambodia festival stampede leaves almost 350 dead |date=November 23, 2010}}</ref>

=== Ancestors' Day ===
{{main|Pchum Ben}}

Ancestors' Day, also called Pchum Ben, is a very important aspect of Cambodian culture. It may be translated as "gathering together" to make offerings and is a time of reunion, commemoration, express love and appreciation for one's ancestors. By offering food and good karma to those possibly trapped in the spirit world, living relatives help assuage their misery and guide them back into the cycle of reincarnation.

=== Visak Bochea ===
{{main|Vesākha}}

Vesākha is an annual holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists in Cambodia. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment (nirvāṇa), and passing away (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha.