SAVE THE DATE to join us for our 8th Lao New Year Celebration in Downtown Merced, California.
☆☆ VENDOR APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN IN JANUARY 2026. ☆☆
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, 2024 and 2025 we are brought back the parade. In 2026, 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.
• FREE and open to the public.
• All activities take place OUTDOORS.
Message us or email to
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* Sponsoring our event
* Vending (Opening in January 2026)
* Participating in our parade
* Volunteering
* Supporting in any form
