Thousands attended the first day of the Fresno Hmong New Year Festival that will run from Dec. 28 to Dec. 31. The festival is the largest Hmong community event in the U.S., drawing hundreds of thousands of Hmong people from across the country. Photo by Frank Lopez

Jangling jewelry, colorful clothing and alluring aromas from various food vendord filled the Fresno Fair Grounds Thursday for the first day of the Hmong New Year Celebration.

Hmong New Year, which runs through Dec. 31, draws hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country to Fresno to celebrate Hmong culture; shop for traditional Hmong clothing, jewelry and produce; and enjoy Southeast Asian cuisines such as Thai, Hmong and Laotian food.

According to Visit Fresno County, the Fresno Hmong New Year event is the largest Hmong American community event in the country.

Hmong New Year originates from Thailand and Laos and is celebrated at the end of the harvest season when Hmong people had the chance to visit other villages and bless the new year.

The opening day kicked off with an opening ceremony in front of the statue of Royal Lao Army General Vang Pao, a parade and other ceremonies  attended by local leaders including Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer.

Festival goers will be able to attend several festivities including a Miss Hmong Beauty Pageant, a dance competition, and live music from Hmong musicians Haum Xeeb Band, Alex Cha, X-Pired Band, Vu Classic Band and Ajan Lis Pov & Band.

Unlike past years when the event was organized by local groups, this year the Big Fresno Fair board of directors awarded a bid to Fresno nonprofit The Hmong Inc. to run the annual event.

The Hmong, Inc, says the New Year celebration is part of its goal for the cultural preservation and development of the Hmong culture.

For the full schedule of events for the Fresno Hmong New Year’s festival visit https://www.visitfresnocounty.org/hmong-cultural-new-year-celebration/