Hmong New Years in Central Wisconsin this Weekend

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – It’s been celebrated in the area since 1986 and was declared a holiday just last year in Wausau by former Mayor Katie Rosenburg.

The Hmong New Year Celebration is this weekend and everyone is invited! Historically, welcoming the new year is the largest community event and celebration for Hmong people.

One of the most important spiritual celebrations on the Hmong calendar, the “Noj Peb Caug” translates to “new year,” but literally means “eat 30.” This is because the ceremonies traditionally were tied to the fall’s post-harvest abundance and shared with the clan and offered to spirits.

The very first Wausau Hmong New Year was held in the early 1980s when just a few families of Hmong refugees from Thailand settled in Wausau. Since 1986, the Wausau Area Hmong New Year, Inc has progressed with involvement from not just the Hmong community, but from the efforts of community leaders, businesses and sponsors working together.

The convention center in Rothschild will host nearly 3 dozen Hmong dancing groups, vendors, and more. While there, you’ll learn about Hmong traditional clothes, Hmong traditional food, and Hmong music.

Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Saturday.

Admission is $5. Free for kids 5 and under. Free for seniors 65 and older.

There will be a special concert on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.

Dang Thao will be playing with guest artist Angel Lor.

Tickets are $30 at the door or $25 in advance.

The Central Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center is located at 10101 Market St, Rothschild.