Community and celebrations
Karen New Year, Martyrs' Day, the wrist-tying ceremony and the other days we gather, with sport and games for all ages.
Through the year, our community comes together for the days that matter to Karen people everywhere: Karen New Year, Karen Martyrs' Day, the wrist-tying ceremony, and KYO Day and KWO Day. Our branches organise these gatherings with the community, and welcome guests from other communities and organisations.
Sport is part of many of these days. We hold soccer tournaments twice a year, at the Karen New Year celebration and the wrist-tying ceremony, when teams from Karen and other local communities compete for the AKO Cup, alongside volleyball, cane ball and small athletics events.
We also hold social events and outings from time to time, so that families and generations can spend time together.
Programmes
Karen New Year Celebration
The Karen New Year celebration is an important cultural event that brings the Karen community together to celebrate our culture, traditions, history, and identity. It promotes unity, strengthens cultural pride, and helps pass Karen heritage on to younger generationsWhen AnnuallyWhere Across AustraliaThree Karen Historical Days celebration
Karen National Union Day: Recognises the KNU’s leadership and the Karen people’s aspirations for freedom, equality, justice, and self-determination in Kawthoolei. Karen National Day: This day celebrates the national identity, cultural heritage, unity, and history of the Karen people. It honours their connection to Kawthoolei and their aspirations for freedom, equality, justice, and self-determination. Karen Revolution Day: Commemorates the beginning of the Karen armed resistance on 31 January 1949, honouring the courage, sacrifices, and resilience of the Karen people in their struggle for freedom, equality, and self-determination in Kawthoolei.When AnnuallyWhere Across Australia
Karen Youth Organisation Celebration
The Karen Youth Organisation is a community-based organisation made up of Karen young people who work together to preserve Karen cultural identity, language, traditions, and history. It aims to empower young people through leadership development, education, cultural activities, community participation, and health and wellbeing programs. It also encourages unity among Karen youth and supports their aspirations for equality, justice, freedom, and self-determination.When AnnuallyWhere Across AustraliaKaren Women Organisation celebration
The Karen Women Organisation promotes women’s rights, leadership, cultural preservation, education, and community participation. It empowers Karen women to strengthen their identity, improve their wellbeing, support families, and contribute to a united and thriving Karen community.When AnnuallyWhere Across Australia
Karen Martyrs' Day Celebration
Karen Martyrs’ Day is commemorated annually on 12 August to honour the brave Karen leaders, soldiers, and people who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom, equality, justice, and self-determination. It remembers their courage, dedication, and commitment to the Karen people and their aspirations for Kawthoolei. This day encourages Karen people to preserve their history, strengthen unity, and continue working towards peace, dignity, and a better future for generations to come.When AnnuallyWhere Across Australia
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