A kaleidoscope of color, sound and cultural heritage will soon converge in downtown Merced as the community gathers to celebrate the 6th annual Downtown Lao New Year Celebration.
The vibrant event is a testament to the resilience and rich traditions of the Lao people. All are invited to join in the festivities from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 4. Most activities take place outdoors and are free for all to enjoy.
West Main Street between I and K streets will be closed to vehicle traffic during the festivities.
The roots of the celebration trace back to the ancient Lan Xang Kingdom, where the cultural tapestry of Laos was woven with threads of diversity and tradition. Traditionally, the Lao New Year is celebrated on April 13-16, according to the Lao Advancement Organization of America.
According to an announcement from Vatthanatham Lao Foundation, the group hosting the event, modern-day Laos encompasses over 60 ethnic groups who also celebrate their respective cultural new years during different times of the year, as well as Lao New Year in April.
Today, the Lao community in Merced – which includes the Khmu, Hmong and Mien cultures – come together to honor and share their heritage with others.
The Merced event was revived in 2018 after a hiatus of more than 30 years since the last celebration was held in the area, according to Vatthanatham Lao Foundation.
Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, the organization hosted smaller celebrations in 2021 and 2022.
The tradition continues to flourish this year. The May 4 festivities will commence at 10 a.m. with the community gathering to give alms and offer food to Buddhist monks, honoring the spiritual foundation of the Lao New Year, the announcement said.
The solemn ritual will be followed by the Baci Blessing, a ceremony steeped in tradition and significance in which a white cotton string is attached to a person’s wrist to symbolize prosperity and well-wishing.
The Baci Blessing Ceremony, water festivities and cultural performances will take place in the parking lot of downtown’s Bangkok Restaurant.
At 1:30 p.m, downtown’s streets will be filled with radiant color as a parade treats spectators to a visual feast of traditional attire, colorful floats and cultural performances, showcasing the rich diversity of Lao heritage.
Food, artisan, business, and organization booths will line the streets, offering an array of culinary delights and cultural treasures.
Throughout the day, live music will fill the air for guests to dance and revel in the joyous atmosphere.
For more information about the event, sponsorships, vending, parade participation and attendance email vlf@vatthanathamlao.org.
A tentative schedule of events:
10 a.m.: Alms giving with Buddhist monks
11 a.m.: Baci Blessing
1:30 p.m.: Parade down Main Street
2:30 p.m.: Cultural performances
4 p.m.: Live Bands until closing
10 p.m.: Closing & Clean-up