Hmong New Year 2008 at Alliant Energy Center
| By Heidi M. Pascual Wow! It was a huge two-day event at Alliant Energy Center on Nov. 23-24 that welcomed the Hmong New Year! There were literally thousands of Hmong — of all ages — in traditional costumes and headdresses, as well as “modernized” versions of Hmong-Laotian attires for many dance performers who were competing for big prizes. Aside from musical performances (on and off the stage) and several vendors and information booths, there were workshops held (interspersed between performance numbers) to inform the Hmong community how to better navigate the American system. Topics were: employment, banking, housing, legal issues, education, health and insurance, among others. The skit that traced the life of the Hmong in Laos, the ‘Secret War,’ the struggle to escape persecution by the communist Pathet Lao, life in Thai refugee camps and eventually their new life in other countries, was both touching and an expression of hope. It was a New Year celebration that signified a new life and commitment to keep the Hmong identity intact. |