California Culture Facts: The Golden State That's Worth To Know

The Golden State of California is one of the wealthiest states in the country of the USA.

The center of activities during the Gold Rush and a convenient location determined it as the state's capital. Another reason for being the capital city is discovering gold in nearby Sutter's mill in the mid-1800.

Sacramento is California's capital city and part of the northern half; it evolved and was founded early in its history.

Located in the southern part of the west coast of the US, the state's natural beauty and vibrant food culture make it one of the most sought tourist destinations.

The technologically advanced Silicon Valley start-ups, the Hollywood film industry, and the Napa Valleys' vineyards to miles of accessible beaches make California state one of America's most incredible and beautiful living places. Disneyland, the various National Parks, the Golden Gate Bridge, famous cultural institutions, Alcatraz, the Angel Island, and many more institutions make Californians very renowned.

Also, culturally, California was a part of the famed East Coast-West Coast battle between rappers in the '90s.

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History Of California Culture

The Native American tribes were the first explorers and settlers of west coastal California and occupied the land for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found enough evidence regarding their languages and cultures.

During this period, more than 125 different languages existed. Some of California's town names especially refer to the Native Americans, like the Malibu, Tahoe, and Simi Valley. The northern borders of San Luis Obispo, Kern, and San Bernardino counties are boundaries dividing the Northern and Southern parts of California.

In 1492, Europeans first reached the continent of America. In 1542, through San Diego, Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo and his crew were the first Europeans to land in California state.

In 1769, the first permanent settlement was established by Spanish migrants. They made efforts to expand European colonization during this period (1769 – 1821). Missionary Junipero Serra succeeded in making a significant impact on the colonization process of the state.

He established 21 Missions throughout California with farms and a work area. During the period, the region of California was divided into four districts called Presidio at San Diego, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San Francisco, which are in the north part of California.

In 1821, Mexico gained its freedom from the country of Spain, and California became a Mexican province and remained part of the country for more than 27 years. Cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose of southern California were part of Mexico in 1821.

American settlers started migrating, and in 1846 they revolted against Mexico, and the area was proclaimed as the Republic of California.

This revolt was popularly known as the Bear Flag Revolt, which separated Californians from Mexico. The fight between American soldiers and the Mexican troops lasted for two years leading to the Treaty of the Mexican American War signed in 1850.

In the 20th century, we saw the formation of the Golden State as an ideal resort destination. In the '60s, the popular music groups for California further promoted California. The influence of national politics, lifestyle, and socio-culture influences have led to Californians being very diverse.

Customs And Traditions In California

In the state of California, a wide range of customs and traditions are followed by different Californian communities in unique ways according to their beliefs, liberal approach, and socio-economic conditions.

The time of holidays is an excellent opportunity to join with families and as a token of tribute to the history and heritage of the state. Many of these holidays are traced back to Spanish Culture and Latin America.

Here are some of the popular customs and traditions which will provide you with an insight into the culture and tradition of California.

The Tamales Holiday Tradition of California dates back to 1200-250 BC. It is a traditional Mesoamerican dish, usually corn-based and made of dough, being filled with meat, fruits, cheese, chilies. They are steamed, and the wrapping is either used as a plate or discarded.

It is a very popular food. The Californian food lovers buy or make their Christmas tamales weeks before the start of Christmas time. The Tamale Festivals are popular in southern California in cities like Los Angeles and Oxnard.

The Hollywood Christmas Parade was earlier known as the Hollywood Santa Parade and Santa Claus Lane Parade. This annual parade evolved through decades, adding floats, animals, bands, and celebrities.

This festival is celebrated on Sunday after Thanksgiving in Hollywood, California, and Los Angeles.

It is celebrated on a 3.5 mi (5.6 km) route alongside Hollywood Boulevard to Sunset Boulevard and back, with various celebrities. This festival started in the year 1928 to boost shopping by the merchants on a one-mile stretch, and the parade grew over a period to its present form.

Día De Los Muertos is an annual day of death and an occasion to pay homage and respect the departed ancestors. It is a tradition that actually originated in Mexico and is observed by people of Mexican heritage.

These are traditions rooted in Mayan, Pre-Columbian, and Aztec traditions. It is associated with All Hollow's Eve, All Saint's Day, and All Soul's Day. Special events are hosted in Los Angeles at Olvera Street in honor of Día De Los Muertos.

During the ceremonies, people make offerings like candlelight, framed photos, and left behind items. In 2008, UNESCO recognized this tradition by enlisting it in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Tournament of Roses is well known worldwide as the Rose Parade, a traditional New Year's Day offering. This unique tradition features four types of entries – floral decorated floats, non-profit organizations, the equestrian units, and the tournament entries.

The parade is held along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena and Los Angeles metropolitan area. The parade is conducted on New Year Day, and all the participants follow the same parade themes.

What culture populated California prior to statehood?

The most significant cultural group in the state are the Hispanic Californians, who reached the shores of California in 1500. Hispanic Californian people identified as Catholics and followed the path of Christianity. The five F's beliefs of Hispanics are family, faith, fiesta, food, and football.

Several groups within Mexico, including Mayas, Otomis, and Zapotecs, had a significant influence on Mexican and Hispanic culture, language, rituals, lifestyle, and cuisine. Dance and music play a really important role in Hispanic culture, with a majority of the Hispanic population in the USA residing in California.

As the central part of America falls under California, it also has a large and diverse population of Salvadorans who are ethnically identified as mestizo, referring to mixed European and American ancestry.

In the 19th century, Spain had missionaries all around the state. The primary goal of these missionaries was to convert native Americans into Spanish citizens and make them devotees of Christianity. Spanish Catholic Franciscans established these missions to spread and influence the Christian culture among native Americans with their instructions.

The Mexican Immigration, the Chicano Civil Rights movement, the farmworkers' labor struggles, and the La Raza exploded and formed into a cultural art society. These societies were greatly influenced by significant indigenous populations from Latin America, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

During 1850, the Gold Rush was looked upon as a state symbol of modern California, the beginning of social ventures, advancement in technology, and a better lifestyle.

Do other cultures influence the culture of California?

The culture of California is a fusion of many cultures which existed during those times in the U.S. Certain features are quite distinctive to California, greatly influenced by Spain, Mexico, Asia, and the eastern United States.

This is evident from the inhabitants' variety of cuisine, food traditions, and eating habits. Mexican influences make their traditional dishes highly innovative and varied depending on which part of California they belong.

The other popular dishes are Uramaki, California Style Pizza, the French Dip Sandwich, Mission Burrito, Cobb Salad, the Fortune Cookie, Avacoda Toast, Ranch Dressing, and the Cheeseburgers.

As per some of the popular polls, one of the most popular cocktails in California is the mimosa. Californians love their official drink - Napa Valley Wine. Other popular drinks include the White Russian, Shirley Temple, and many more.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy!

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