Fall marks one of the most significant times of year for the Hmong community, and a time where Madison is invigorated with cultural celebrations. Hmong is the third most-spoken language in Madison, where the estimated Hmong population sits at about 5,300 people. Hmong New Year is one of the most significant holidays in the Hmong culture. The season marks the end of harvest with celebrations involving food, family, friends and spiritual traditions.

The Hmong New Year season begins in September and continues through the New Year, celebrating life with vibrant festivities that include singing, dancing, authentic food, and the purchase of new Hmong attire. This celebration marks the transition from the old year to the new, bringing together family and friends from near and far. Leading up to the Hmong New Year, there is typically a feast, often a soul-calling ceremony, where Hmong individuals welcome the New Year. Soul-calling ceremonies honor ancestral spirits and call for the protection of good spirits.

Hmong New Year is based off a legend that the Shaman Siyi’s was given 30 days to celebrate before going to Earth to battle an evil queen. This is what the Hmong call “ Noj Tsiab," which translates to "having a feast." In Dane County, various clans host their own Noj Tsiab events, inviting the community to share in a feast that now often includes a dance party. Historically, this gathering would have been a more intimate affair, limited to immediate family.

Below is a list of clans who hose pre-New Year Feasts in Dane County:

  • Thao clan
  • Yang clan 
  • Vang clan

Following these feasts, the celebration continues with the Madison Hmong New Year celebration, held in November at the Alliant Energy Center. The timing of Hmong New Year festivities varies due to venue availability, creating a fluid celebration. Madison College will also host the ONEPACK Hmong New Year Celebration at the Madison College Truax atrium.

The significance of the Hmong New Year extends beyond festivity; it is a time for reflection and gratitude. This period allows families to gather, honor their ancestors and remember loved ones who have passed. The rituals performed during this time are believed to purify the spirit and bring good fortune for the coming year.

At Hmong New Year celebrations, food is central to the festivities. Purple Sticky rice, a staple, is served warm alongside flavorful Hmong sausage, chicken leg, or pork belly. Fresh papaya salad and Kua Txob dipping sauce enhance the total meal. Together, these dishes create a festive atmosphere that embodies community and celebration.

Madison College's Hmong New Year Celebration invites the college community and the public to experience Hmong culture through games, activities and performances. Attendees can support local vendors and savor authentic Hmong cuisine. Admission is free, but guests should be prepared to purchase food and crafts.

The theme for the 2024 celebration is “Building Bridges: Our Community, Hmong Culture, Our Connection.” The goal is to share Hmong culture with the wider community, fostering connections and partnerships, increasing cultural awareness and promoting cultural preservation and identity among the Hmong people. This event promises to be a joyful occasion for learning, connection, and celebration.

Learn more about Madison College's event:

To learn more about Hmong New Year, check out the following articles: