Lao Community Cultural Center of San Diego
Lao language, arts, culture, and cuisine
The Lao Community Cultural Center (LCCC) was founded in 1992 by Laotian refugees in San Diego. Since the Vietnam War started in 1975, there has been an influx of Laotian refugees to the United States, with a significant community forming in San Diego. In the 1980s, community elders informally organized themselves to assist each other in their new country and share their culture with their children. The organization was formalized and became a nonprofit in 1992. LCCC’s mission is to promote and preserve Lao cultural traditions for Laotian youth in San Diego. Lao traditions, especially classical and folk dance, are showcased for the Laotian community and the public at large at the LCCC’s annual Lao New Year celebration every April.
Living Cultures
2021
In 2021, a grant from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grant Program will support the center’s annual Lao boat racing festival, where Lao music, food, and traditional dance compliment the boat racing in celebration of Boun Ok Phansa, one of the Lao high holidays.
2015
In 2015, a grant from ACTA’s Living Cultures Grants Program supported LCCC’s annual Lao New Year celebration.
The following video features a performance of kinnary dancing at the LCCC’s Lao New Year celebration in 2012:
