Hmong New Year

Hmong New Year

December to January

The Hmong people of Laos mark a 10-day celebration of the New Year to give thanks to spirits and ancestors, as well as to rejoice in a new beginning. They mark the occasion by wearing silk clothing in bright shades of red, green, and white along with ornate silver jewelry. Music is central to the celebration, with tunes played on such traditional instruments as the teun flute and Hmong-style khene pipe. Other traditional activities of the Hmong in Laos include leaf-blowing, ox-fighting, spinning-top competitions, cross-bow demonstrations, and Makkhon, a ceremony that involves young people tossing a ball made of cotton cloth back and forth.

CONTACTS:
Lao National Tourism Administration
Tourism Marketing and Promotion Dept.
P.O. Box 3556
Lane Xang Ave.
Hatsady Village, Chanthabouly District, Ventiane Capital Lao PDR
www.tourismlaos.gov.la