LOEI: The Hmong New Year Festival, a significant cultural event, is set to take place in Ban Tub Ko, Dan Sai District, Loei Province. This event, unique to the northeastern region, serves as a vital occasion for community bonding, traditional sports, and partner selection among young villagers. The celebration underscores the rich heritage of the Hmong people, who have resided in this area since their migration from Laos in 1979.
According to Thai News Agency, the festival is an important tradition for the Hmong tribe, offering a unique opportunity for relatives to gather and seek blessings from sacred objects and elders. It also features traditional sports competitions, such as spinning tops and chuang ball, which are integral parts of the festivities. For the youth in the community, the event is a time to express affection and choose partners, marking a significant social occasion.
The history of the Hmong community in Ban Tub Kho is marked by migration and adaptation. Originally from Ban Phu Khi Thao in Kok Sathon Subdistrict, they moved to their current location following political unrest and conflict in the early 1980s. Granted Thai citizenship under the 66/23 policy, the Hmong people have since settled in Ban Tub Kho, expressing gratitude for their improved circumstances while maintaining a strong connection to their roots.
This year’s festival, scheduled for December 30, 2024, will be held at the multipurpose field in Ban Tub Ko, with Mr. Chaithawat Niamsiri, president of the Loei Provincial Administrative Organization, presiding over the opening ceremony. The event is expected to draw a large number of Hmong community members and tourists, highlighting its significance as the sole celebration of its kind in the northeastern region.