The Hmong New Year celebration continued its 13th annual tradition at the Fresno Fair Grounds, Dec. 31 – Jan. 1.

This festival brings together Hmong residents from across the world to explore and showcase their culture.

This year, a heated debate occurred because of the opening of a second festival area. However, this did not stop the onslaught of Hmong people from attending both locations.

Though a bit conspicuous, many non-Hmongs attended this event with their Hmong friends for a cultural experience. The festival travels across America and takes place in towns with large Hmong populations — Fresno has one of the largest.

The festival features a variety of venues and events, such as food stands, trinkets, games, concerts and performances.

The appearance of the Hmong hero Gen. Vang Pao on the first day of the celebration made the festival begin successfully. Though many did not realize it at the moment, this was one of the last major appearances Pao would have in the community, due to his death on Jan. 6.

In addition, a stage was set up for famous and newly-recognized Hmong singers to perform throughout the day.

The participation in the “pov pob” game is a major event in which boys and girls pass tennis balls to each other. The point of the game is to try to stand the farthest away and continue passing. In addition to the fun of competition, “pov pob” participation helps those who attend to connect with each other.

As a form of entertainment and a fun competition, the annual Miss Hmong contest crowns the ideal Hmong girl who, similarly to the Miss America Beauty Pageant, is judged by appearance as well as talent.

Besides the special events, stalls line the grounds and sell trinkets ranging from earrings to traditional dresses. Food vendors offer desserts like “nyob vaj” (sweet desserts), papaya salad, “kow poon” (an orange-flavored soup), multiple already-prepared meats, boba drinks and other small delicacies like fried bananas.

Visitors entering the market often experience an onslaught of Hmong-converted movies and CDs playing.

Also, at different times during the day, Hmong clubs perform in the crowds. One of these is the Suab Hmoob Txuj Ci, which play the traditional instrument qeej.

A personal reflection

While many Americans consider Thanksgiving a time for reunions, I — of Hmong heritage — often find myself counting the number of relatives my family encounters during the New Year festival.

One thing I especially enjoy at the Hmong New Year festival is the history vendors, who bring books that would otherwise be rare to find at a bookstore or a local library.

In addition to the benefits of unique events and products for sale, the festival allows me to actually fit into the mass crowds of people.

I think those who attend truly enjoy the familiarity of the festival and the closeness it brings to the Hmong community.

Even though the last day finishes as quickly as the first, the event continues to make me question how much I actually know about my culture and gain further knowledge. Through the festival I learn the importance of tradition and gain a broader understanding of having a background.

For more information on the New Year festival, read the Jan. 1 Fresno Bee article, Split Hmong New Year events in Fresno end. For past coverage of the event, read the Jan. 14, 2009 column, New Year spotlights Hmong culture.

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