21st Anniversary of Sbek Thom’s UNESCO Proclamation
Cambodia marks 21 years since UNESCO proclaimed Sbek Thom, the sacred Khmer large-shadow-puppet theatre, a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
The event
What to expect
25 November 2026 marks the 21st anniversary of UNESCO’s 2005 proclamation of Sbek Thom as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Sbek Thom is a sacred Khmer theatre tradition using large, non-articulated leather puppets, some reaching two metres in height.
Performers animate the puppets against a lit white screen while narrators and a pinpeat orchestra present episodes from the Reamker. This listing records the verified heritage anniversary; no separate national public programme has been announced for 2026.
Organizer & venue
Hosted by Nationwide cultural commemoration
CambodiaNationwide cultural commemoration
Nationwide cultural commemoration hosts a range of events celebrating the culture and community of Cambodia.
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