Text by Sophinarath Cheang, Photos by Cheeravath Aphipunyo.
The 3rd Annual Cambodian Arts and Culture Exhibition, held on Saturday November 19, was a success. The joyful event brought the members of the community together to explore the rich history and culture of Cambodia at MacArthur Park. “Cambodia Town is a cultural jewel of Long Beach,” said Dee Andrews, 6th District Councilman of Long Beach, at the event. Many people from both inside and outside of Long Beach, Cambodian and non-Cambodian alike, came to learn about Khmer culture such as traditional food and recipes, plants native to Cambodia, clothing, transportation, dance, music, history, arts, and religion. This event was a collaboration of anthropology professor of CSUDH Susan Needham and her students with Cambodia Town Inc. of Long Beach.
Alex Salazar, an anthropology major at California State University, Dominguez Hills, said, “It is important to understand other cultures [and] to see and share it with other people.” She also mentions that the younger generation still had questions of their own culture. Brian Delas Armas, who drove a cyclo during the event, offered free rides to people. He said, “it is important [for the Cambodian community] to educate others about who they are.”
Check out photos from the event below.
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