The United Hmong Family, Inc. (UHF, Inc.), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and uplifting Hmong cultural identity, proudly announces the 45th Annual Minnesota Hmong New Year celebration taking place November 29–30, 2025 at Saint Paul RiverCentre.

For more than four decades, Minnesota Hmong New Year has served as one of the largest cultural celebrations in the Hmong-American community, drawing over 30,000 attendees last year and supporting hundreds of businesses that are vendors or sponsors. This milestone year not only highlights the strong partnership with Saint Paul, which embraced early Hmong settlers and has the largest Hmong population in the country, it also continues to share and feature a vibrant lineup that strengthens culture through entertainment including: Hmong Dance Competition, Hmong Line Dance Competition, Kwv Txhiaj (Traditional Hmong Singing), Hmong Singing Competition, and a pageant competition: Miss Hmong Minnesota.

For more than 66,000 Hmong in Minnesota, the Hmong New Year celebration marks the end of the Hmong cultural calendar year that descends through storytelling over generations. This year the Hmong New Year calendar ends on November 20. Many Hmong households that still practice Hmong traditions utilize this time to reunite with children and friends, and welcome everyone into their homes to offer blessings and a meal while bringing in a new year. Following the blessings, friends and family gather together in community for song and dance.

Hmong New Year at Saint Paul RiverCentre 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 after harvest. Many couples meet and have married from the Hmong New Year celebrations. In Minnesota, participants can still enjoy the traditional ball tossing (courtship), and other displays of their vibrant culture while tasting authentic Hmong cuisine, wearing Hmong clothing, and visiting vendor booths.

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

You are invited to attend the grand opening ceremonies which will commence with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Saint Paul RiverCentre Exhibit Hall (lower rotunda) on Saturday, November 29 at 10 a.m. There will be dignitaries and community leaders for speaking engagements in Roy Wilkins Auditorium, with renowned Hmong singers and dance groups on stage during the ceremony.

About The United Hmong Family, Inc.

The United Hmong Family, Inc. (UHF, Inc.) exists to preserve cultural identity through intergenerational collaboration, the involvement of Hmong clan structures, and youth leadership development. In support of this mission, UHF, Inc. hosts two major annual events: Hmong International Freedom Festival (July 4th weekend) - drawing over 48,000 participants in June 2025, and Minnesota Hmong New Year (November – December) - drawing over 30,000 in 2024. UHF, Inc.’s vision is to build a prosperous future for the Hmong-American community through democracy, inclusivity, and economic development. The organization strives to foster transparency, unity, and collaboration across generations and backgrounds. More details can be found on their website and Facebook page.

For sponsorships, vendor information, or media inquiries, email United Hmong Family.