Photos: Hmong New Years Celebration

The Hmong New Years sign welcomes the attendees. Photo by Sarah Bennett.

The Anchorage Hmong New Year's Celebration welcomed hundreds of people to the Delaney Park Strip on Aug. 24-25. This annual celebration honors Hmong ancestors for the upcoming year. 

The event consisted of performances, dancing and traditional games. Vendors provided a variety of Hmong cuisine. Special guests performed throughout the day. Johnny Lo was featured after the fashion show and talent show. Traditional clothes and games shared with the community allowed others to immerse themselves in the Hmong cultural celebration. This event was free for everyone.

Community vendors present a variety of Hmong handmade crafts and garments for purchase. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Attendees pose for a portrait behind fresh produce. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Traditional indigo and batik dresses sold by vendors. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Colorful headdresses are typical in Hmong culture. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Two girls share a moment together. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
The crowds gather to enjoy the talent show. Photos by Sarah Bennett.
A performer plays a traditional Hmong instrument called a qeej during the talent show. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Two young women present their festive clothing for the fashion show. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Fashion show participants present their attire. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
The fashion show participants make one last round before the show ends. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Families gathered after the fashion show to take pictures together. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Young women pose for a portrait while wearing traditional Hmong clothing. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Hmong garments feature wealth. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
Attendees play pov pob, a Hmong New Year’s ball toss tradition for young children. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
A family wears their paj ntaub. The garment’s name means flower cloth or story cloth. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
A group of girls run to the stage to present Johnny Lo with flowers. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
A group of girls pose for a portrait with Johnny Lo. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
A young girl holds a boiled egg, given to guests as a token to welcome the new year. Photo by Sarah Bennett.
A group of young women watch the dancers. Photo by Sarah Bennett.