Cambodia & Arts: Tini Tinou circus returns to Battambang

The Tini Tinou international circus festival returns to Battambang with a new edition promising a week of art, culture and breathtaking performances.

The festival will kick off with a parade of giant puppets, a visually captivating event that will transform the streets of Battambang into a kaleidoscope of colour and creativity. Photo supplied

Organised by Phare Ponleu Selpak, this year's festival features a series of vibrant activities that blend international art with Cambodian traditions. The festival will begin with a parade of giant puppets and conclude with a live performance by rapper VannDa. The parade will feature puppets, live music and circus acts.

‘This year, Tini Tinou will be our biggest festival yet, with a parade of giant puppets and breathtaking circus performances by 13 artists, both local and foreign,’ says Chan Rattanakoudom, Communications Officer at Phare Ponleu Selpak.

This year is set to be the biggest ever edition of Tini Tinou, with artists and circus troupes from 12 different countries, including Japan, South Korea, India, France, Germany, Australia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. They will be performing on the Phare Ponleu Selpak campus and throughout the city of Battambang.

The festival will highlight traditional Cambodian performances, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. The public will also be able to discover art exhibitions, indulge in a variety of local cuisines at food stalls and immerse themselves in a market showcasing handicrafts and souvenirs.

The festival will culminate in a special charity concert on 27 November 2024, a grand finale celebrating Phare Ponleu Selpak's remarkable 30-year journey.

As well as commemorating three decades of artistic excellence, the event will also aim to raise funds to support the work of the organisation.

Founded in 1994, Phare Ponleu Selpak has become a cornerstone of arts education and cultural preservation in Cambodia. Through its performing arts programmes, it has empowered countless young people, using the power of art to rebuild communities.

According to the programme, the Tini Tinou International Circus Festival will kick off on 22 November with a parade of giant puppets that will transform the streets of Battambang into a dynamic display of creativity.

This colourful procession will feature elaborate puppets, live music and circus performers, setting the tone for a week of unforgettable festivities.

From 22 to 27 November, the festival promises to push back the boundaries of circus art.

Visitors can immerse themselves in Cambodia's rich cultural heritage with traditional performances, art exhibitions and local food stalls.

As the countdown begins, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark event in the Cambodian cultural calendar.

For more information on the programme and ticketing, visit the Phare Ponleu Selpak website.