[By Tina Bucuvalas]

Southeast Asian Artists - New Communities of Central Florida

In comparison with many other regions of the country, Florida's population is new and constantly changing. While some can trace a long family lineage here, most Floridians have arrived within the last 50 years. According to the 2000 census, only 33% of the population was born in the state and 16.7% were born in a foreign country.

In 2000, Asian Americans made up 1.7% of Florida's population. Most (Vietnamese, Laotian, Camboian, Thai) experienced growth rates exceeding 100% since 1990. The 2000 census put Florida's statewide Vietnamese population at more than 37,000, Cambodian more than 3,000, Laotian more than 4,000, and Thai at almost 9,000.

Many Southeast Asians began to settle in Florida because of political problems in their homelands created by the Vietnam war. Today, significant communities exist in the Orlando/Sanford and Tampa/St. Petersburg areas. Florida's semi-tropical climate made it feasible for some to continue traditional agriculture and fishing practices. In rural regions, many Asian-owned vegetable farms produce crops of tropical fruits and vegetables destined for local southeast Asian consumers as well as for national distribution. Florida's climate has also facilitated the creation of several beautiful Buddhist temple complexes, often sited next to rivers, in which visitors feel that they have stepped directly back to Laos or Thailand.

Laos
Stretching from the fertile Mekong River valley lowlands to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the least known and developed of the three former French Indochinese nations. Laotian traditional culture has been heavily influenced by Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai elements.

Baci ceremonies are held to celebrate special events and occasions such as birth, marriage, welcoming a guest and homecomings. This ritual creates an important social and family bond, is central to Lao culture, and is believed to predate Buddhism. Baci are usually conducted by a respected elder.

Thailand
Thailand possesses a beautiful tropical environment, a complex history, a rich array of traditional arts, and people who are known throughout the world for their friendliness and courtesy. Today Thailand remains a prosperous and stable monarchy, which has adapted to western ways while maintaining the integrity of its culture.

One of the most beautiful and popular Thai celebrations is Loy Krathong, held during the full moon of the last lunar month, which corresponds with our November. People make krathongs, small floats made from banana leaves or paper in the shape of a lotus. During the nights of the festival, people make wishes for good luck in the coming year, then float the krathongs down rivers. The celebration often includes special songs and dance.

Vietnamese
After the Vietnam War ended in 1975, many Vietnamese sought refuge in the United States. Central Florida was a destination for many because of good economic opportunities and a climate similar to their homeland. Orlando's Vietnamese community has become the largest and most prominent Asian American group in central Florida. Florida's Vietnamese have experienced great social and economic growth by combining their traditional values with American ones.

Vietnamese musical traditions are rich and varied, spanning court music, opera, folk songs from the villages and provinces, and contemporary westernized music. There are several forms of Vietnamese opera, which often rely on historical themes, legends or folktales for plot, and feature stock characters, elaborate costumes, and stylized makeup. The type of opera usually performed at events in Orlando is called vong co, which means "nostalgia for the past." This form draws upon the folk music of south Vietnam, and often deals with themes such as love of country, thinking about one's family, or homesickness. Orlando musicians play several instruments in opera ensembles.