LYNN — The Kakrona Center Inc., of Lynn, rang in a powerful celebration of Cambodian heritage at the Lynn Commons on Saturday afternoon to remind the community of its roots.
Kakrona Center Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the Cambodian community in Lynn. It strives to uplift the heritage for generations through cultural engagement, community events, outreach, and various support services.
According to Chair of the Board Sophorphaiktra Chhour, the event drew in a huge crowd of people who arrived at the Lynn Commons after the event kicked off Saturday morning to celebrate their heritage.
Chhour explained that when the event first began over 20 years ago, the celebration began in a temple, but after seeing the reception grow from community members, the organization decided it needed somewhere bigger to house the event.
“We began the event in one of the temples, and we saw so many people come and participate, so we asked to have the event in the Lynn Commons,” Chhour said. “But we had to do it in early May, which is not Cambodian New Year. If we do it in early April, it’d be really cold, so we decided to have it in May.”
She explained that the event had become a regular staple of celebrating Cambodian heritage until COVID-19 put a halt to everything. After the pandemic ended, Chhour said the organization looked to getting the event up and running once more after a three-year hiatus.
For the event, Chhour reiterated that it’s about educating future generations.
“We see our Cambodian heritage, and we watch to educate for generations to come, to understand and to learn where their parents and grandparents came from… We also want to do this to bring all our Cambodian culture to showcase all the people,” Chhour explained.
Chhour said that while she and others who helped organize the event are “exhausted,” it was well worth the effort. She added that she saw what looked like thousands of people who came to attend the event, where she said people traveled from across the state to participate.
“The event was so awesome. We were trying so hard to make sure everything went okay, and we’re exhausted but we’re still very happy… There were a lot of people, and we had a lot of fun.”
