Overview:
Performances are expected to include dance group Hmong Culture & Arts Preservation and singer-songwriters CYN and Ryan Vang, among others.
In 1975, as communist troops took control of Saigon and the United States ordered its personnel to evacuate, millions of people fled Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. On May 14 that year, the last airlift of Hmong families and soldiers who had supported U.S. efforts, departed for refugee camps in Thailand and later established new lives in countries far from their homeland.
This weekend in Fresno, Hmong immigrants and their descendants will commemorate that moment in history with a celebration of Hmong American Day.
On Saturday, May 11, everyone is invited to celebrate Hmong culture with performances, speakers and activities at The Fresno Center, located on Kings Canyon and Chestnut, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The celebration comes as people across the U.S. mark Asian American and Pacific Islander Month.
Last year, U.S. Rep. Jim Costa appeared at Hmong American Day to express his gratitude to and appreciation of the community.
“With every group of immigrants that come from all over the world, you make America better,” Costa said then. “You assimilate, you bring your families with hard work ethics, family values, your rich culture, your wonderful food and your desire to have a better life for yourself and for your families.”
Many of this weekend’s dance and musical performances will be like those experienced during the December Hmong Cultural New Year Celebration, which is one of the biggest Hmong cultural events in the nation. Performances are expected to include dance group Hmong Culture & Arts Preservation and singer-songwriters CYN and Ryan Vang, among others.
One traditional instrument likely to be heard is the qeej, the Hmong flute, which is a symbol of cultural identity and often is accompanied with choreography.
Follow the Hmong American Day’s Facebook page to get the latest updates on the performers, guest speakers, and vendors.
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