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Come join us for our 6th Lao New Year Celebration in Downtown Merced, California.The Downtown Merced Lao New Year Celebration will highlight the culture and heritage of the Lao people, which were solidified during the reign of the ancient Lan Xang Kingdom (1353 C.E. - 1707 C.E. “Land of a million elephants”). After centuries of conflicts and border changes, modern-day Laos encompasses over 60 ethnic groups (including the Khmu, Hmong, and Mien) who also celebrate their respective cultural new years during different times of the year, as well as Lao New Year in April.
Before 2018, it had been over 30 years since the Lao community had a public celebration of the Lao New Year in Merced. After 2019, the celebration was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, we had smaller celebrations. In 2023, we are brought back the parade. This year, we will continue the traditional parade. Each year, we hope to make the Celebration bigger and better, as we do our part to help revitalize Downtown Merced.
Festivities will start at 10am with the community taking part in giving alms and offering food to the Monks in the parking lot of Bangkok Restaurant. Following the offerings, the parade will begin around 1pm, from I Street down Main Street to K Street and circle back to I Street. Traditional “Baci” ceremony, water Festivities, and cultural performances will be in the parking lot of Bangkok Restaurant. Food, Artisan, Business, and organization booths will fill the streets of Downtown Merced. Live music will be played from the main stage for guests to dance until closing.
• FREE and open to the public.
• All activities take place OUTDOORS.
• Merchandise vendor spaces are still available.
• Food vendor booths have all been reserved.
Message us or email to [email protected] if you are interested in:
* Sponsoring our event
* Vending
* Participating in our parade
* Volunteering
* Supporting in any form
Tentative program:
10:00 am: Alms giving with Buddhist monks
11:00 am: Baci Blessing
1:30 pm: Parade down Main Street
2:30 pm: Cultural performances
4:00 pm: Live Bands until closing
10:00 pm: Closing & Clean-up
The Downtown Merced Lao New Year Celebration 2024, just like all previous years, is divided into different parts: Religious, cultural, party. The public is welcome to participate in any or all parts that they feel comfortable. Our hope is that you will feel comfortable during all parts.
We would like to emphasize that funds for the religious activities are from private donors who purposely donated to support those activities; no public funds are used for any religious activities.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
235 W Main St, Merced, CA 95340-4932, United States