The Giant Puppet Street Parade is lighting up the streets of Siem Reap once again
On February 21st, Cambodia’s largest community arts project for children returns, bringing color, creativity, and collective joy to the heart of Siem Reap. The Giant Puppet Project was born in 2007 with the vision to bring communities together and empower children through art. Since then, it has grown into a movement that allow children to build confidence, develop artistic skills, and learn the value of teamwork and community spirit. Over a series of hands-on workshops, children work side by side with supervisors and professional artists from the renowned Phare Ponleu Selpak Visual Arts School in Battambang. Together, they design and construct giant illuminated puppets using lightweight materials, carefully crafted to reach heights of around four meters or more. Throughout the process, the children not only learn the art of puppet making but also develop teamwork and storytelling skills, while gaining awareness of environmental issues, wildlife conservation, and Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
When parade night arrives, these impressive creations quite literally come to life. Lit from within, the towering figures glow as the teams proudly carry them through the streets, cheered on by families, friends, and visitors. Traditional Cambodian music and dance are featured during the parade, turning it into an amazing animated event. Lit from within, the towering figures glow as the teams proudly carry them through the streets, cheered on by families, friends, and visitors. Accompanied by traditional Cambodian music and dance, the parade comes alive as a vibrant and animated celebration of art and community.
Each year, the project is guided by a theme. In 2026, the theme is “Wildlife of Cambodia – The Wild Parade.” Through art, the project highlights the importance of protecting wild and endangered species and raising awareness about conservation efforts. Among the animals brought to life this year are a rhinoceros, an Asian elephant, and the great hornbill. A special white dove will lead the parade, symbolizing peace and unity.
The parade begins at Wat Damnak at 6pm and winds its way through the heart of Siem Reap before concluding at the Royal Gardens. After the parade, the giant puppets remain on display at the Royal Gardens for several days, where they can be admired up close. They are later exhibited at sponsor locations around the city and at children’s hospitals, where they continue to inspire for months until the rain arrives. The event is made possible thanks to the support of NGOs, schools, and local businesses.
With each passing year, the Giant Puppet Street Parade continues to grow in popularity, strengthening its place as one of the most magical community events in Siem Reap. Beyond the spectacle, it celebrates Cambodia’s cultural richness, nurtures the next generation of artists, and offers both residents and visitors a truly spectacular experience of connection, creativity, and shared pride.
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Author: Marielisa Padilla
Marielisa Padilla is a multilingual expert in smart cities, sustainable urban development, and circularity. She has lived on three continents and collaborated with more than 25 cities worldwide to co-create innovative urban solutions. Now based in Siem Reap, she supports the Provincial Administration, on behalf of GIZ with projects on smart cities, sustainable tourism, and waste management. Fascinated by Siem Reap’s potential, she sees not only the marvel of its temples and exquisite architecture — true works of science and art — but also the vibrant opportunities that position the city as a hub for sustainable transformation. For Marielisa, sustainability is more than a professional field — it is a way of living. Beyond her work in smart cities and sustainability, she is also a yoga, mindfulness, and sleep coach. She believes that just as balance and awareness can transform cities, they can also transform lives.
