Despite rain showers that impacted the Valley, Merced residents and visitrs gathered downtown on Saturday to immerse themselves in the Lao New Year celebration’s sights, sounds, and flavors.
Main Street transformed into a bustling hub of cultural delights for the sixth annual event
Organized by the Vanthanatham Lao Foundation, the event celebrates the cultures of modern-day Laos, which encompasses over 60 ethnic groups.
These groups celebrate their respective cultural New Years events during different times of the year, as well as the Lao New Year in April.
The Lao community in Merced includes the Khmu, Hmong and Mien cultures.
The atmosphere on Main Street was filled with tantalizing aromas as vendors lined the streets with grills sizzling with savory meats, batches of oil-deep-fried sweets, traditional soups, fresh-squeezed sugarcane juice and traditional teas.
Stalls overflowed with vibrant garments and traditional trinkets while local organizations shared insights into their community efforts at various booths.
Rooted in the ancient Lan Xang Kingdom, the Lao New Year has profound cultural significance. It symbolizes renewal and spiritual reverence.
The community gathered at 10 a.m. to pay homage to tradition, offering alms and prayers to Buddhist monks.
This solemn ritual set the stage for the Baci Blessing, in which delicate white strings were tied around wrists, symbolizing blessings of prosperity and well-being.
Amid the festivities, familiar faces graced the crowd, including Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria and Merced Multicultural Arts Center Executive Director Colton Dennis, both of whom participated in the blessing.
An energetic parade filled the streets with radiant colors and cultural performances, showcasing the rich tapestry of Lao heritage.
At the heart of it all, the main stage in the restaurant’s parking lot pulsed with music and dance, inviting attendees to join in the celebration.
