The United Hmong Family, Inc. proudly announces the 46th Annual Minnesota Hmong New Year celebration taking place November 28-29 at Saint Paul RiverCentre.

For more than five decades, Minnesota Hmong New Year has served as one of the largest cultural celebrations in the Hmong-American community, drawing over 28,000 attendees last year and welcoming hundreds of businesses at the event as vendors or sponsors. This event not only highlights the strong partnership with the City of Saint Paul in embracing early Hmong settlers, it also continues to feature a vibrant lineup that expresses culture through entertainment including Hmong Dance Competitions, Kwv Txhiaj (Traditional Hmong Singing), Hmong Singing Competitions, and the Hmong Minnesota Pageant.

The Minnesota Hmong New Year celebration marks the end of the Hmong cultural calendar year that descends through storytelling over generations. Many Hmong households that still practice Hmong traditions utilize this time to reunite with family and friends in welcoming everyone into their homes to offer blessings and a meal while ringing in a new year. 

As customary practice, after the blessings and meals, all the families in the community gather together and celebrate with traditional performances such as dance or singing. Minnesota Hmong New Year at Saint Paul River Centre not only symbolizes new beginnings but the friendship with neighbors and courtship.

Historically, Hmong were farmers and only had this opportunity to relax from tending the fields all year long after harvest. Many couples meet and have gotten married from the Hmong New Year celebrations. At this event, guests can enjoy the traditional courtship ball tossing, taste authentic Hmong cuisine, wear Hmong clothing, and visit vendor booths.

This event that started as a cultural tradition has grown over the years and has embedded itself into Saint Paul and Minnesota while strengthening its economic vibrancy by drawing in vendors not only locally but from other states including Wisconsin, Iowa, and California. Vendors help to create a marketplace filled with the colors, sounds, and flavors of Hmong culture.

Everyone is welcome to join the grand opening ceremonies which will commence with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Exhibit Hall Rotunda on Saturday, November 28 at 10 a.m. Dignitaries and community leaders, renowned Hmong singers, and dance groups will be on hand during the ceremony.