Thousands expected at Hmong New Year celebration in St. Paul

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)

November 28, 2013 12:07 PM

Hmong New Year courtship ritual — Boys and girls a game called Pov Pob at the Hmong New Year Celebration at the Wisconsin State Fair Dec. 11, 2004, in West Allis, Wis. Pov Pob is a traditional Hmong game that is part of the courtship process in marriage and takes place during the Hmong New Year.
Darren Hauck/Getty Images File

Twitter Facebook Email

Thousands of people are expected to attend this year's Hmong New Year celebration.

• More information: Hmong Minnesota New Year celebration

The event is being held at St. Paul's RiverCentre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports the 38th annual event will include dance, music, food, crafts and dress.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.

Donate Today

ChuPheng Lee is president of the Lao Family Community of Minnesota. Lee says the Hmong American community is an important part of Minnesota's social fabric. Hmong and non-Hmong are welcome to join the celebration.

In their former homeland of Laos, the Hmong traditionally staged New Year's festivals after the rice harvest in November or December. The tradition continued as they came to the United States.

The 2010 U.S. Census says there are 66,000 Hmong in Minnesota, making it the largest urban Hmong population worldwide.

---

Information from: St. Paul Pioneer Press

Share

Create a More Connected Minnesota