California's geographic location has made it a center for Latin American migration since the early 1800s. In 1821, after Mexico gained independence from Spain, California became a part of Mexico for 27 years. During the period that California spent under Mexico’s control, a ranching economy was developed, which would later bring many Latin American workers seeking jobs. Furthermore, preexisting communities of the descendants of Spanish and Mexican settlers (Californios) encouraged further Latin American migration. This long history of California and Latin America coming together has had a profound impact on Californian culture that should not be disregarded.
For one, Latin American culture has had a deep influence on Californian food. Dishes such as tacos, burritos, and pupusas have become such staples in the state to the point that they are sometimes thought of as Californian cuisine rather than from a separate culture. With a long, rich history of immigrants bringing their traditions and cuisine, Berkeley and the Bay Area are known for their excellent Latin American food. Food trucks serve traditional dishes on busy streets, at local festivals, and Berkeley is home to countless Latin American restaurants. These establishments, known for their high-quality food, are beloved by many.
The effect of Latin American culture is also visible in art. Street art is a long-standing tradition in Latin America. In the early 20th century, muralists like José Clemente Orozco used the medium to convey social messages. In the 60s and 70s, young Mexican Americans created murals in areas like San Francisco’s Mission District to honor their heritage. Many of these murals address political injustices, striving to emphasize the voices of historically marginalized groups. They have also served to educate the public and bring awareness to under-discussed issues, such as “Pan-American Unity” by Diego Rivera. The colossal mural highlights themes of unity and workers' rights.
Finally, the Bay Area is home to countless annual celebrations of Latin American holidays. The Oakland Día de los Muertos festival, held every November in Fruitvale, draws a crowd of 100,000 each year. Holidays like Cinco de Mayo in May and Día de los Reyes in January are publicly celebrated in most prominent California cities.
We often encounter these cultural marks without appreciating their significance. Despite the substaitial effect of Latin American culture on California, many people are largely unaware of it. This is a glaring oversight, and could be improved with greater cultural education in California's school system. After all, without these rich, vibrant cultural additions, our state would not be the state we know and love today.