SIEM REAP, Feb 25 (NNN-AKP) – An annual giant puppet parade was held here, in north-west Cambodia’s Siem Reap province last night, attracting thousands of local and foreign visitors.
The puppets were paraded down the streets of Siem Reap city, where thousands of spectators cheered on the throngs of children, musicians and performers, who electrified the night with their contagious joy and creative achievements.
Oun Savann, co-director of the Giant Puppet Project, said, this year’s puppet theme is dinosaurs.
“Nine dinosaurs hit the streets of Siem Reap, including the Tyrannosaurus Rex, stegosaurus, triceratops, diplodocus and pterodactyl,” he said. “Accompanied by circus, performers and live music, the parade is a true spectacle and a time for pure fun.”
Savann said, the Giant Puppet Project, the largest children’s community arts initiative, has been teaching children and youth that, art can enrich their lives, give voice to their imaginations, ignite pride in their rich heritage, and unite their communities.
“This Giant Puppet Project has not only contributed to enriching Cambodia’s cultural and artistic landscape, but also helped attract more tourists to Siem Reap province, home to the famed Angkor Archaeological Park,” he said.
Savann said, the puppets were designed by the Puppet Artiste Team, all graduates from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s Visual Arts School, in Battambang province and jointly made by over 600 children from local non-governmental organisations and schools.
The annual giant puppet parade was first introduced to the streets in Siem Reap in 2007.– NNN-AKP
