Hmong Minnesotans celebrate Noj Peb Caug – Hmong New Year

December 15, 2023

Minnesota is home to more than 94,000 Hmong people. Every year, many Hmong Minnesotans and more from out of state gather at the RiverCentre for Hmong New Year. Usually held on the weekend of Thanksgiving week, this year, it took place on Nov. 25 and 26.

Traditionally, the New Year was to observe the end of the harvest season. For many Hmong elders, when they were younger and single in Laos or Thailand, the New Year served as a chance to court people for marriage too. Now, the celebration serves as a time to reflect on their journey to the U.S. and celebrate the Hmong culture through dressing up, watching performances, playing “pov pob” or ball toss, and eating Hmong food.

“

I think it’s great that… everyone gets to come together, celebrate our culture, celebrate tradition. We just have fun time. I think it’s really important.

— Kevin Vang, Hmong New Year attendee

Hear more from attendees about what they do and what they enjoy about the 2023 Hmong New Year celebration.

Updated on Dec. 21, 2023

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