Hmong New Year brings thousands to Rothschild

WAUSAU, Wis. (WXCO) – The Wausau Area Hmong New Year brought thousands to Rothschild over the weekend to celebrate their 50th year in the U.S.  The two-day celebration featured fashion shows, dance competitions, performances, and vendors at the Convention and Expo Center.

The Hmong New Year is a special tradition that marks the end of harvest season. The history of the New Year celebration can be traced back to China, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam, where the Hmong gathered to give thanks to their ancestors for blessing them throughout the year.

The first Wausau Hmong New Year was held in the early 1980s when a few families of Hmong refugees from Thailand settled in Wausau.

Nao Vang Thao spoke at the celebration. He was among the first Hmong people to arrive in Wausau fifty years ago. 

“I’m very grateful to see the 50 years because we came with five people and three are gone already,” he said. “I’m fortunate to see the 50th year celebration.”

He says he’s glad to see the whole Hmong community come together to celebrate the new year, and he has some hopes for the future.

“I hope that we will have more educators we will have more government officials, and we will be able to contribute back to the country,” he said.

The celebrations also featured a flute performance by Thong Ger Xiong and remarks by Minnesota State Rep. Liz Lee.