SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A giant puppet parade returned to the streets here in Cambodia's major tourist hub on Saturday evening, captivating crowds of local and foreign tourists.

The puppets were marched down the streets of Siem Reap City, where thousands of curious onlookers cheered on the throngs of children, musicians and performers who electrified the night with their great delight and creative achievements.

Oun Savann, co-director of the Giant Puppet Project, said this year's theme -- "The Wild Parade!" -- celebrated Cambodia's extraordinary wildlife, from iconic species to rare and endangered animals.

He said a total of eight giant puppets hit the streets of Siem Reap province, home to the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park.

"Those giant puppets include a dove, hog deer, hairy-nosed otter, Asian elephant, gibbon, great hornbill, bent-toed gecko, and lightning bug," he told Xinhua.

Savann said the Giant Puppet Project, the largest children's community arts initiative, has taught children and youth that art could enrich their lives, give voice to their imaginations, ignite pride in their rich heritage, and unite their communities.

"This annual project has not only promoted Cambodia's rich cultural and natural heritage and wildlife protection, but also helped attract more tourists to the cultural province of Siem Reap," he said.

Savann said hundreds of children from local schools and non-governmental organizations had spent weeks designing and constructing these enormous illuminated puppets under the guidance of the project's professional artist team, all graduates of Phare Ponleu Selpak's Visual Arts School in Battambang province.

"This vibrant nighttime parade, accompanied by musicians and performers, is expected to draw up to 20,000 spectators," he said.

The giant puppet parade was first introduced to the streets in Siem Reap in 2007. ■