Billowing Cambodian and American flags created a sea of red, white and blue as thousands gathered along Anaheim Street to celebrate the Cambodian New Year Sunday.

Hundreds marched during the 15th annual Cambodia Town Parade, which shut down Anaheim Street from Junipero Avenue to MacArthur Park—about three-quarters of a mile. Various community groups and representatives marched, including public officials, churches, businesses and more.

The theme of the event was “Stop hate with love,” a call to end violence and bias against Asian people.

Cherry Khuth and her husband drove their young children four hours from their home in Lemoore near Fresno to attend the parade and festival.

“I want my kids to grow up learning about their culture,” she said, adding that she is from Long Beach and has fond memories of coming to the event years ago.

“It’s changed a lot. More of the Cambodian community are coming together and it’s nice to see,” she said. “I want my kids to grow up learning about their culture.”

Long Beach is home to the largest Cambodian community outside of Cambodia itself. Many in the community came to Long Beach fleeing genocide in the 1970s, or are descendants of those who did.