Holiday on September 24, 2026 — Cambodia’s Constitution Day: History and Traditions
On September 24, 2026, Cambodia will celebrate Constitution Day—a national holiday commemorating the adoption and promulgation of the country’s fundamental law. It was on September 24, 1993, that King Norodom Sihanouk signed a royal decree bringing Cambodia’s new Constitution into effect. This document emerged after the end of a long-standing conflict and became an important part of the country’s new political system.
Constitution Day in Cambodia is celebrated annually on September 24. In 2026, this date falls on a Thursday and is an official public holiday. In Cambodia’s calendar of public holidays, this day is called Constitutional Day. The holiday is dedicated to the Constitution, which became the foundation of Cambodia’s modern political system. It was officially proclaimed on September 24, 1993, which is why this date is commemorated annually as the birthday of the country’s new constitutional order. In 2026, Cambodia will celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Constitution.
For the country, this is more than just a date on the national calendar. The Constitution defines the basic rules governing the state, the powers of its institutions, and the rights of its citizens. It also establishes the separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
How the Cambodian Constitution Came to Be
The history of Cambodia’s modern Constitution is closely tied to the country’s turbulent past. For decades, Cambodia endured political conflicts, a civil war, and the “Khmer Rouge” regime. In the 1970s, the country endured one of the most tragic periods in its history, and remained unstable for many years afterward. The Paris Peace Accords, signed on October 23, 1991, marked an important step toward ending the conflict. They paved the way for a political settlement and the holding of democratic elections. The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) organized the first general elections after the conflict. The vote took place in May 1993.
After the elections, work began on establishing a new government structure. The Constitutional Assembly drafted and adopted the Constitution on September 21, 1993, at its plenary session in Phnom Penh. A few days later, on September 24, the document was officially proclaimed. The proclamation ceremony took place at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. King Norodom Sihanouk signed a royal decree officially bringing the Constitution into force. It was this event that became the basis for the annual Constitution Day.
What the Constitution Changed
The 1993 Constitution laid the foundation for Cambodia’s new political system. The document defined the country as a constitutional monarchy and enshrined the king’s role in the state system. The Constitution also enshrines the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens. Among them are rights related to political life, freedom, and citizens’ participation in society. The document also defines the principles governing the operation of state institutions.
The principle of separation of powers is of particular importance. The legislative, executive, and judicial branches have different functions and powers. This approach is intended to ensure that the state operates according to established rules and prevent the concentration of all power in a single government body. The Constitution also enshrines the rule of law. In Cambodia, the Constitution is considered the supreme law of the land, and decisions by state bodies and other laws must comply with its provisions.
This is one of the reasons why Constitution Day holds special significance for the country. On this day, people reflect not only on the historic date of 1993 but also on the role of the Constitution in the functioning of the modern state.
Why the Constitution Became a Symbol of a New Era
For Cambodia, 1993 was significant not only because of the adoption of a new fundamental law. It was part of a sweeping transition from years of conflict to a new political era. The Paris Peace Accords, UN efforts, and the holding of general elections created the conditions for the formation of new state institutions. The Constitution became the legal foundation for this process. It was intended to enshrine the principles according to which the country should develop after the end of the conflict.
That is why, in official speeches in Cambodia, Constitution Day is often associated with peace, national reconciliation, stability, and development. For example, during the celebration of the 32nd anniversary in 2025, government officials emphasized the role of the Constitution as the fundamental law and the foundation of the rule of law. At the same time, it is not a holiday with large public celebrations like the Cambodian New Year. The main focus is on official ceremonies, state events, and honoring the Constitution.
How Constitution Day Is Celebrated
One of the main traditions of this day is the ceremony at the Constitution Monument in Phnom Penh. Representatives from government agencies, ministries, parliament, youth organizations, and other institutions participate in the commemorative events. In 2025, when Cambodia celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the Constitution, representatives of the Senate and the National Assembly laid baskets of lotus flowers at the Constitution Monument. Separate ceremonies were held by delegations from various ministries and government agencies.
The lotus holds significant symbolic meaning in Cambodian culture and is frequently used during official and religious ceremonies. Therefore, the flowers at the Constitution Monument are not merely a decorative element of the event but a way to honor this national holiday. Young people also take part in the celebrations. In 2025, representatives of youth organizations participated in the events alongside government officials. During such events, speakers discuss the significance of the Constitution, citizens’ rights, the rule of law, and society’s responsibility for maintaining peace and stability.
In general, Constitution Day takes place in a predominantly calm and formal atmosphere. In the capital, ceremonies, speeches, and commemorative events are held, and government institutions use this day to reflect on the history of the Constitution and its role in the life of the country.
The Constitution Monument in Phnom Penh
A significant part of the holiday’s modern history is the Constitution Monument, which was unveiled in Phnom Penh on September 24, 2024. It is located in a public park west of the Independence Monument. The unveiling took place on Constitution Day itself and marked the 31st anniversary of the proclamation of the Constitution. The ceremony was attended by King Norodom Siamoni, representatives of the government, the Senate, state institutions, and the diplomatic corps.
During the unveiling, the king emphasized the importance of respecting the Constitution and protecting it as the country’s supreme law. Representatives of the Constitutional Council of Cambodia described the monument as a symbol of peace, democracy, religion, the monarchy, and the laws of the state. The monument has now become one of the main venues for official events marking Constitution Day. It is here that government and parliamentary delegations lay flowers, and youth representatives and civil servants take part in commemorative ceremonies.
Interesting Facts About Constitution Day
Interestingly, the Constitution of Cambodia was adopted on September 21, 1993, and officially proclaimed three days later—on September 24. It is the latter date that became a national holiday.
Another important fact is that the adoption of the Constitution was directly linked to the peace process following a prolonged conflict. Prior to its adoption, the Paris Peace Accords were signed, and the first general elections were held under UN supervision. Therefore, the history of this holiday is linked not only to a legal document but also to a major political transition in the country.
Constitution Day is an official holiday. In Cambodia’s 2026 calendar of public holidays, September 24 is listed as Constitutional Day. This year, the holiday falls on a Thursday.
Another interesting point is that the date, September 24, remains the same every year. Unlike some traditional Cambodian holidays, which depend on the lunar calendar, Constitution Day has a fixed date.
In 2025, Cambodia celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution. In 2026, it will mark 33 years since the royal decree proclaiming the Constitution was signed.
How Constitution Day Differs from Independence Day
Constitution Day should not be confused with Cambodia’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on November 9. These are two different national holidays. Independence Day commemorates the end of French colonial rule and the proclamation of Cambodia’s independence in 1953. Constitution Day is associated with a completely different event—the adoption of the modern Constitution in 1993.
Nearly 40 years have passed between these dates, during which Cambodia has experienced many political changes and conflicts. Therefore, both holidays serve as reminders of different stages in the country’s history. While Independence Day is more closely associated with national sovereignty, Constitution Day focuses on the rules by which the state itself operates. That is why, on September 24 in Cambodia, people discuss the Constitution, citizens’ rights, state institutions, and the rule of law.
How September 24 Will Be Observed in 2026
In 2026, Cambodia’s Constitution Day falls on Thursday, September 24. The country’s official calendar designates this date as a national holiday, and Cambodia’s tourism portal also lists Constitution Day on September 24 as a nationwide event. The main events traditionally take place in Phnom Penh, near the Constitution Monument and other important government sites. Representatives of the government, parliament, state institutions, youth organizations, and the diplomatic corps may participate in these events.
For ordinary residents, it is first and foremost an official day off and a national commemorative date. National symbols can be seen in cities, and the media and official events highlight the history of the Constitution and the events of 1993. The holiday does not involve any mandatory family rituals or special gifts. Its main purpose is to reflect on the Constitution as the foundation of the state and on the historical period in which it was adopted.
Thus, Cambodia’s Constitution Day on September 24 combines history, politics, and state tradition. For the country, it serves as a reminder of the 1993 Constitution, which was adopted following a peaceful settlement and elections held under the auspices of the United Nations. And the ceremonies held today at the Constitution Monument show that this date remains an important part of Cambodia’s national calendar.
