The Lombardi Middle School Asian Club, led by Mai Nu Vang, hosted a Hmong New Year celebration for the Green Bay community on Dec. 8, 2023.
According to Vang, The Hmong New Year is an annual cultural celebration, occurring in the fall, typically signifying the end of the harvest season.
During this celebration, Hmong individuals and families enjoy a variety of Hmong traditions including wearing Hmong clothes, eating Hmong foods, and taking part in a variety of Hmong activities.
The Hmong New Year celebration brings together the different clans to enjoy a year of hard work, give thanks to ancestors, and to welcome new blessings.
About 500 people attended the celebration at Lombardi Middle School. Activities included a talent variety show, a papaya-making contest, a cornhole tournament, and basket raffle prizes.
Dr. Claude Tiller, Jr., Superintendent of Schools and Learning, attended the event and said it was a special experience.
“I was embraced into the Hmong community and immersed into the culture through dress, food and friendship,” Dr. Tiller said.
Lombardi Middle School would like to extend a thank you to all the volunteers, community partners, students, families, and staff that helped to make the event a success. Vang said she is looking forward to hosting the celebration again next year.