The Hmong New Year or Noj Peb Caug, in Hmong language is a vibrant celebration marking the end of the agricultural season and the start of a new year, traditionally aligned with the new moon in late December. For the Hmong people—a diverse ethnic group spanning Southeast Asia, including Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and southern China—the festival is a cornerstone of their cultural heritage. The Hmong New Year in Phonsavanh, Xieng Khouang Province, is the largest celebration of its kind in Laos and one of the most significant globally. The celebration brings families and communities together to honor their ancestors, celebrate their traditions, and strengthen community ties.

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The festival is alive with traditional activities: bullfighting competitions, football matches, cultural dances, performances of traditional music, and the pov pob ball-tossing game, which blends social interaction with matchmaking. Men and women proudly wear traditional attire, each outfit reflecting the specific Hmong subgroup or clan they belong to, showcasing intricate patterns and symbolic designs.

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For the Hmong diaspora, particularly those from the United States, the festival is a powerful occasion to reconnect with their roots, reunite with family, and participate in ancestral traditions. It is also a space where cultural divides are bridged and new connections are formed.

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This photo reportage aims at capturing the essence of the Hmong New Year in Phonsavanh, documenting a celebration that weaves together tradition, identity, and community amidst the hills of Laos.