LYNN — Dozens gathered inside Lynn City Hall on Friday for a Khmer New Year ceremony celebrating the strength, heritage, and unity of the city’s Southeast Asian community.
“This moment represents more than just a celebration,” said Kirirath Saing, known as AJ, who emceed the event. “It’s a symbol of strength and unity between the Khmer community and Lynn.”
Khmer New Year, traditionally observed in mid-April, is one of the most significant holidays in Cambodian culture, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year. This year marks the Year of the Snake in the Khmer lunar calendar — representing transformation, alertness, and renewal.
“As we step into this year, we carry forward those same values — growing stronger together, learning from the past,” Saing said.
Councilor-at-Large Hong Net, addressing the crowd in both Khmer and English, encouraged residents to embrace civic space as their own. “This is our home,” he said. “We are welcome here. If you ever need help, reach out to me or the mayor’s office — we are here to serve.”
Mayor Jared C. Nicholson expressed his admiration for the community’s efforts to preserve and share Khmer culture. “We are proud and honored to have you in our city,” he said. “All that you do to preserve your heritage and culture is a gift to Lynn.” He also underscored the city’s commitment to language access for residents and emphasized the goal of creating “a city where everyone belongs.”
The ceremony featured a traditional performance of Tivea Propey — meaning “in the best of times” in Khmer — by the Kakrona Dance Group from Lynn. Elders from Rainbow Adult Day Health Care and Element Care were honored guests at the event.
Monks from the Lynn Khmer temple offered a blessing, followed by a prayer from Pastor PoSan Ung of Living Fields Church. “Let hope rise in us anew — not just for ourselves, but for our neighbors, our community, and the world,” Ung said, linking his message of renewal to the Easter season.
Following the indoor program, attendees moved outside for the flag-raising. As the Cambodian flag rose above City Hall, the group sang Pong Savada Khmer, a revered patriotic song. Pong Savada Khmer carries deep emotional significance and reflects the nation’s cultural identity.
This year’s celebration also marked a solemn milestone — April 17 is the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power in Cambodia, which led to a genocide that claimed nearly two million lives.
“That anniversary is very personal,” said Saing, who also serves as the multicultural programs specialist for Element Care. “It’s a reminder of what we’ve survived — and what we continue to carry forward.”
Before closing, Saing invited the community to continue the celebration later this month at the Khmer New Year Festival on Lynn Common, scheduled for April 26.
The program was attended by a range of elected state and local officials, community leaders, and residents. As the flag waved in the breeze, Saing offered one final message: “To the elders, the young people, and everyone here today — your presence matters. We are building a city and a future where everyone belongs.”
