2024 Christopher Plancich

Featured Young Croatian

Christopher Plancich, son of Matthew and Lisa Plancich, grew up in Lake Forest Park, Washington, near his grandparents Alma and John Plancich. He graduated from Shorecrest High School in Shoreline, Washington in 2013, and now resides in Los Angeles, CA. After high school, Christopher attended California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA where he met his future wife, Megan.

Christopher’s career has evolved through a range of different roles. Starting in retail in downtown Seattle, later transitioning to hospitality at hotels in downtown Seattle, Christopher eventually transitioned into his current career in real estate. He started as a leasing consultant with property in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle for a company based in Newport Beach, CA, and later transferred to a Southern California property. He has since obtained a California real estate license and is currently a Realtor® with Keller Williams Real Estate Services in Glendale, California, specializing in residential sales.

Before relocating to the Los Angeles area, Christopher married Megan in 2019 in Woodinville’s wine country. The Bonaca Tamburica Orchestra played at the wedding, and wedding guests learned how to dance Lindjo, a traditional dance from Dubrovnik.

Christopher has been actively involved in the Croatian American community throughout his life. As a child, he participated in the Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble, dancing in his early years and volunteering as a teenager and young adult with photography, setup and takedown, transportation, and general support for performances.

Christopher also contributed to the annual Seattle Center Naturalization Ceremony for many years. As a child, he was a part of the 'Children of the World', wearing his Croatian costume from Vela Luka on the island of Korcula and leading newly naturalized American citizens in the pledge of allegiance. During his teenage years, he volunteered at the event, and as an adult, he led volunteers and coordinated dignitaries. He also assisted with the Ethnic Heritage Council’s annual fundraiser at the Nordic Heritage Museum for several years.

While Christopher was in college, Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble was invited to perform at St. Anthony’s Croatian Church’s Annual Croatian Cultural Extravaganza in 2014. Christopher was able to attend the concert and was introduced to the Croatian Community in Los Angeles. VLCDE was invited back to the 2016 Extravaganza in LA, and Christopher was one of the dancers who travelled from Seattle for the performance.

Now living in Los Angeles, Christopher has became a regular volunteer for the annual Los Angeles Croatian Cultural Extravaganza, with roles including managing stage and performer logistics, working in the sound booth, assisting with the projected slideshow, communicating with the stage crew, and queuing music for performances. He has also resumed dancing and, at 29 years old, is a member of the St. Anthony’s Kolo Club “CROATIA,” where his wife Megan has also joined as a dance performer. Additionally, Christopher has volunteered at fundraising events for St. Anthony’s Croatian Catholic Church in Los Angeles.

“Growing up with Croatian heritage has profoundly shaped my identity and worldview. My Family, especially my grandmother (Baba), has always been a wellspring of cultural richness, instilling in me a deep appreciation for our traditions, history, dance, songs, and cuisine of Croatia. Events have always been marked by specific Croatian customs, from preparing traditional dishes like Bakalar (salted cod) and Croatian Sauerkraut to singing folk songs near and dear to my heart, such as ‘Čiri Biri Bela Mare Moja’. These many moments and memories fostered a strong sense of belonging, linking me to my ancestors and the broader Croatian community. Being part of 'The Children of the World' for the Seattle Center 4th of July Naturalization Ceremony was particularly impactful. Leading newly naturalized citizens in the 'Pledge of Allegiance' while dressed in my traditional costume from the island of Korčula not only deepened my pride in my heritage but also highlighted the importance of cultural preservation in the tapestry of American society. America has always been a ‘melting pot’ of culture and I am so proud to continue that culture into the future.

The stories told of emigrating from Croatia to Anacortes, Washington are profoundly impactful. Stories of the struggle, heartbreak, loss, and eventual arrival to America through Elis Island to find better opportunities. Opportunities that I do not take for granted. This heritage has influenced my life in numerous ways. From a young age, I was involved in dancing with the 'Vela Luka Croatian Dance Ensemble,' an experience that nurtured my love for Croatian folklore and community. Now, as I continue to dance with The St Anthony's Kolo Club "Croatia" in Los Angeles, I remain connected to my roots while sharing the beauty of our traditions with a broader audience. My Croatian heritage is a cornerstone of my identity, continually shaping my values, ambitions, and connections to the world around me, inspiring me to honor my past while contributing to the vibrant multicultural landscape of my present.”