Day 65: Lanexang Village, New Iberia, Louisiana
📌APIA Every Day (65) - Situated in New Iberia, Louisiana, Lanexang Village is a thriving community, housing hundreds of Laotians and their families. Originally established as a refuge for Laotian refugees in the 1980s after the country's civil war, the village's name, loosely translated as '“million elephants,” reflects its cultural roots.
Sponsored by the Catholic Diocese in the 1970s and 80s, these refugees found work in Louisiana, including jobs like shrimp peeling and oyster shucking. In 1986, several dozen Laotian families collectively purchased land, leading to the establishment of Lanexang Village. Over the next decade, the community’s resident population grew to over 400 Laotians.
In 1987, Wat Thammarattanaram, a sacred temple, was constructed, serving as a place for Buddhist families to uphold their cultural and religious practices. The temple gained recognition, evolving into a popular tourist destination. Lanexang Village and Wat Thammarattanaram became the designated spots for hosting Songkran, the Laos New Year celebration, drawing large crowds, including those from outside the community.
Today, Lanexang Village thrives, with the younger generation actively engaged in preserving Laotian traditions. Initiatives such as temple tours and events organized by youth groups signify dedicated efforts to maintain a strong connection between the youth and their cultural heritage. Through these actions, the histories of Laos migration to Louisiana are preserved by the existence of Lanexang Village and Wat Thammarattanaram.
LEARN MORE:
Parts Unknown: A Laotian Community Thrives in Southern Louisiana
Folklife in Louisiana: Songkran: Laotian New Year in South Louisiana
Country Roads: The Buddhists and the Catholics
American Studies Journal: Place-making in Cajun Country: Laotians’ Lane Xang Village
#apiaeveryday #laotian #laotianamerican #broussard #lanexangvillage #louisiana #newiberia #aapi #aapihistory #historicpreservation #ethnicenclave #watthammarattanaram #buddhist #songkran
