More than 100,000 gather in Fresno to celebrate Hmong New Year

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- You don't need to wait to celebrate the new year. The Hmong New Year festivities are already underway.

More than one hundred thousand Hmong from around the world are gathered in Fresno for the annual celebration. This week long international celebration is the largest gathering of Hmong anywhere in the world.

Sherri Yang of Fresno says everyone is here to have a good time. "It's fun because it only comes once a year and you are enjoying the presence of other Hmong people and celebrating the new year."

The first thing you notice is the costumes. Bright, colorful and with jangling rows of silver coins stitched on, a little noisy. Sherrie, and Kenny Lor, are among the thousands here wearing traditional costumes.

As Kenny explains: "Back in Laos, every clan they have their own design and depending on where you are from what village your design is different. "

And, Sherrie notes, even these styles can change. "This, what I'm wearing is very traditional, but there are a lot of young girls today who are wearing the more modern outfits."

While the dresses may still have the traditional bright colors and adornments, they may be mini skirt short and accompanied by stiletto heels, or knee high boots. Most costumes, like the one worn by Chang Moua of Fresno, were hand made. He's wearing a sparkling gold and chartreuse jumpsuit.

"Oh my Mom sewed it for me," Moua said.

"It looks pretty cool." I said.

"Oh, Thank you. " He replied.

Vendors sell everything from the fabric, to the jewelry and there are lots of complete outfits to choose from. Along with traditional clothing the event features Hmong food, locally grown crops, and other products.

One change this year is a ban on pills and prescription medications imported from Thailand and other countries. Many vendors used to sell antibiotics and pain medications but the United States Department of Food and Agriculture has ordered a halt to their sales here.

The Hmong International New Year Celebration is underway at the Fresno fairgrounds for a week. Another Hmong New Year is also being held a few miles away in Calwa. The two celebrations are the result of a bit of a rivalry between community leaders, but many Hmong attend both.