Click here to view the full poster.	The 2008 LRCD gallery is now open. Click here to view the gallery.

La Raza Cultural Days (LRCD) is designed to educate the campus and community about the social, cultural and political issues facing the Chicano/Latino community, while celebrating the traditions and contributions of Chicano and Latino cultures. It is an important vehicle for educating the campus and general public about the diverse cultural elements that comprise and contribute to our society. LRCD allows Chicano and Latino students to share their culture with the broader community while enhancing their own sense of identity and sense of belonging on campus. Through the process of planning programs and activities, students develop an appreciation of the strengths and differences in their own diverse community. They confront issues facing their community, rededicate themselves to reaching out to the community in general and youth in particular, and build a sense of unity and support.

The goals of La Raza Cultural Days are to promote ethnic pride, to increase the public's knowledge and awareness, to promote cross-cultural communication and build alliances, to address issues facing the community, to provide service to the community and to encourage students' personal growth. To achieve these goals, students present the annual culture week, Semana de la Raza, and La Gran Tardeada.

The troupe has become one of the University's most important programs for promoting outreach and retention, nurturing an inclusive and welcoming campus climate, and helping students develop leadership, teamwork and responsibility. It serves as an important visible symbol that this culture is alive, well and belongs at the heart of University life. Without Danzantes, the critical presence it brings to major annual campus events such as Picnic Day, the Activities Faire, Diversity Days, La Raza Cultural Days and Tardeada and Chicano/Latino Graduation Celebration would be lost. Likewise, Danzantes has been a much sought after component of multicultural education and celebration in area schools and community events. Its members serve as powerful examples of how students can achieve academic success in spite of numerous obstacles.

Semana de la Raza includes Kick-off on the Quad with a student organization fair, live entertainment and traditional foods; youth outreach and empowerment conferences; art exhibits; political forums; performing artists; seminars; films; and talent show. The week culminates with the day-long La Gran Tardeada celebration, featuring a children's fair, health fair, community run, live entertainment, exhibits and traditional foods, which draws students, families, alumni and the surrounding community. LRCD also co-sponsors educational and cultural programs presented by student organizations and academic departments throughout the academic year.

La Raza Cultural Days is made possible by the year-long planning, fundraising and community building efforts of the LRCD Planning Committee. LRCD is a program of the UC Davis Student Programs and Activities Center, and is funded by ASUCD, Office of Campus and Community Relations, Student Affairs, Student Programs and Activities Center, student fundraising efforts, and co-sponsorships generously provided by the Chicana/o Studies Program, Chicano/Latino Alumni Chapter-CAAA, Hispanic Staff Association, Yik'al Kuyum, Cross-Cultural Center, Student Assistants to the Chancellor, dedicated student organizations and other campus departments.