Oregon Live: 2015 Hmong New Year Marks 40th Anniversary of First Arrivals

Several thousand people are expected to gather in Hillsboro near Portland, OR this weekend for the annual Hmong New Year celebration, reports Oregon Live.
 
This year’s celebration also marks the 40th anniversary of the Hmong’s first arrival to the United States.
 
They had backed U.S. forces in Laos, but when the North Vietnamese took over, many Hmong fled to the U.S.
 
Chia Cha, president of the Hmong American Community of Oregon, said this year’s celebration will be a time to reflect back on the community’s history, but most of all, its a time to celebrate. The New Year coincides with the harvest season, in Laos.
 
It’s a traditional time for courtships, flirtations and marriage.
 
You can read more about the traditions and history in Oregon Live.