Norodom Sihamoni’s Coronation Day is a day for the Khmer people to celebrate the coronation day of their current king. King Norodom Sihamoni was born into one of Cambodia’s two royal families in 1953, to King Norodom Sihanouk and queen mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.

Even though King Norodom Sihamoni’s father was King, the King of Cambodia is an elected monarch, making Cambodia one of the few elected monarchies of the world.

The King is elected for life and is chosen by the Royal Council of the Throne. The only stipulations are that the candidates must be part of the royal family and at least 30 years old.

King Norodom Sihamoni has reigned over Cambodia since 2004 when his father Norodom Sihanouk abdicated the throne. Before taking the throne, he was Cambodia’s ambassador to UNESCO and an accomplished classical dancer, having studied the arts for most of his life.

The anniversary of the king’s coronation is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and a variety of cultural events.