Hmong New Year is one of the most valued cultural celebrations amongst Hmong people. It is a mark for the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year. Hmong New Year is traditionally celebrated between late November and early January. Within this cultural celebration, there is time for rest and renewal all while honoring ancestors after a year of hard work. 

The festival is known for its vibrant colors throughout the clothing and the decorations. The traditional, intricately embroidered outfits worn to this occasion consist of vibrant, fun colors and silver jewelry. Music and dance play a huge role in this celebration along with a traditional game called “pov pob” (ball tossing) where young people toss cloth balls to one another to make friends, socialize, and sometimes even find love. 

Hmong New Year is also a spiritual time. This celebration allows families to give thanks to their ancestors, participate in rituals for good health and prosperity, and give people time to reflect on their year and welcome new beginnings for the future. 

Hmong New Year is more than just a festival; it is a powerful expression of identity and cultural pride that has been passed down through generations. 

During Winter Break, two teams of students from Fresno High School proudly represented FHS at the Hmong Olympic Games, held during the Fresno Hmong New Year Celebration at the Fairgrounds. This exciting event combined fun games with elements of Hmong history and culture. The competition was hosted by Mr. Yang from Edison High School and his Hmong Heritage Students III class in collaboration with the Fresno Center. 

 Fresno High students earned multiple medals and three trophies! Two of these trophies were for 1st and 3rd place in the individual dance competition. The talented students, Macy Yang (1st place) and Plumeria Yang (3rd place), created and practiced their impressive routines in just one week. Their hard work truly paid off! 

 Participants & Backups from Fresno High and Their Achievements: 
(All students below contributed to winning the 2nd place all-around trophy based on total points) 

• Alirisa Vue (9th) 

• Ahlyis Lor (10th) 

• Cody Yang (9th) 

• Sam Yang (10th) 

• Caylyn Yang (10th) 

• Yeng Her (10th) 

• Ayden Lor (10th) 

• Preston Yang (9th): 3rd place medal for the “Crossing the Mekong River” boat event 

• Plumeria Yang (10th): 3rd place medal & trophy for the Traditional Hmong “qeej” dance event 

• Jacky Vang (11th): 2nd place medal for the “Crossing the Mekong River” boat event 

• Kelvis Vue (10th): 2nd place medal for the “Sandal & Rubber Bands” event 

• Macy Yang (12th): 

• 1st place medal for the “Dress Up a Mannequin in Hmong Clothes” event 

• 1st place medal & trophy the for Traditional Hmong “qeej” dance event 

A special “thank you” to Eliane Ly for providing text and photos about Fresno High School!