Karen community celebrates new year in St. Paul
ST. PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota refugee community is celebrating its new year by coming together in a big way, enjoying a two-day celebration of the Karen New Year.
Originally from Burma, more than 20,000 Karen people live in Minnesota.
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Sunday's celebration commemorates new crops, gratitude for those who've worked throughout the season and extending well-wishes for successful seasons in the years to come.
The celebration continues Sunday at Washington Technology Magnet School in St. Paul. It's free to anyone who stops by.
The event was organized by the Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota, with support from collaborators such as the Karen Buddhist Association of Minnesota, World Youth Connect, the Karen Organization of Minnesota and the Karen Community of Minnesota.
Organizers say that the Karen New Year is among the most important community events of the year.
Editor's Note: A prior version of this article incorrectly stated that the Karen Organization of Minnesota was the primary organizer of the event. The article has been amended to reflect the Karen Culture Organization of Minnesota as the primary organizer.
