Celebrating the Hmong New Year: A Vibrant Tradition in the Twin Cities

As I soak in the chilly yet comforting Thanksgiving vibes here in Minnesota, I caught a segment on our local WCCO news about the Hmong New Year celebrations in the Twin Cities. 

It was the perfect reminder of why I love this time of year—a season of gratitude, tradition, and community. The clip transported me to a world of food, fashion, and resilience, beautifully capturing the immigrant journey and the richness it brings to our society.

Minnesota’s Diaspora Communities

For those who may not know, Minnesota is home to a wide range of immigrant communities who have preserved their diasporic traditions. From the German and Scandinavian communities who arrived in the 1800s to more recent Asian, Latino and African diasporas, including the Somali, Eritrean, Oromo, Liberian, and Kenyan communities. 

It is also home to one of the largest Hmong diaspora communities in the United States, with about 95,000 people. The Hmong community’s arrival in the state stems from massive displacement from Laos during and after the Vietnam war, prompting thousands to resettle in the United States as refugees in the late 1970s and 1980s. Minnesota became a central hub for resettlement due to its strong network of refugee support services and welcoming communities.

Celebrating the Hmong New Year

The Hmong New Year is a multi-day event steeped in tradition and celebration. It’s where you’ll find dazzling traditional clothing, lively cultural performances, and a marketplace brimming with everything from handmade crafts to delicious Hmong cuisine. But it’s so much more than a cultural showcase; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hmong people, who’ve carved out a vibrant space here while staying deeply connected to their heritage.

Watching this community preserve their traditions while also evolving to fit their new home is incredibly inspiring. It reminds me that immigrant communities aren't just preserving history—they're actively shaping the future. Through events like this, they’re creating opportunities for their children to connect with their roots, introducing neighbors to the richness of their culture, and advocating for the critical role diasporas play in strengthening our cities.

The Twin Cities are a better place because of diaspora communities like the Hmong, and so many others.  Seeing the food, the smiles, and the pride of the younger generation made me realize how much our collective story depends on holding space for everyone’s journey.