Photos: Alaska Hmong New Year celebration in downtown Anchorage

Rain didn’t dampen the cultural display and excitement during the second day of the Alaska Hmong New Year celebration Sunday in downtown Anchorage.

The celebration typically happens at the end of the year. “We decided to do it early to enjoy the outdoors,” said May Ramirez-Xiong, one of the event organizers. “I really want everyone in the community to see the Hmong culture, the tradition, our clothing. But importantly, for our children to see what their culture is about.”