AKP Phnom Penh, February 06, 2026 --

The iconic Giant Puppet Parade, Cambodia’s largest community arts project for children, is set to return to the streets of Siem Reap on Feb. 21, 2026, featuring a "Giant Dove of Peace" as the centerpiece of this year's procession.

Organisers announced Friday that the 2026 edition, themed "Wild Parade!", aims to celebrate Cambodia’s diverse fauna, ranging from legendary species to those on the brink of extinction.

Mr. Un Savann, the Giant Puppet Project Manager, highlighted the symbolic weight of this year’s lead puppet. "The dove represents an international symbol of peace, hope, and humanity," he said. "In light of recent border tensions and past conflicts, we chose the dove to signal our nation's profound need and desire for lasting peace."

The event serves as a creative platform for hundreds of local students and children from various NGOs. Participants spend weeks designing and constructing the massive illuminated figures under the mentorship of professional artists. Beyond the artistry, the project is designed to instill self-confidence, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility toward the natural world.

According to the organisers, this year’s parade will showcase several key species including: 1-Hog dear (Eld's Deer); 2-Dove (White Pigeon); 3-Hairy Nosed Otter; 4-Asian Elephant; 5-Gibbon (Buff-cheeked Crested Gibbon; 6-Lightning Bugs (Firefly) 7-Bent - Toed Gecko (Cardamom Banded Gecko) ; 8-Hornbill (Great Hornbill).

The vibrant night-time procession, accompanied by musicians and street performers, is expected to draw a crowd of over 20,000 spectators.

Following the main event, the puppets will be displayed at the Royal Residence Garden before moving to various locations across the city, including sponsor sites and local children's hospitals. 

This initiative ensures the community can engage with the artwork long after the parade concludes, extending the educational impact of the project.

Since its inception in 2007, the Giant Puppet Project has remained a cornerstone of Siem Reap’s cultural calendar, fostering a sense of pride in Cambodia’s rich cultural and natural heritage through the eyes of its youth.

By K. Rithy Reak