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Cultural Events California Event Calendar with Heritage Festivals and Celebrations
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Ever since the gold rush days when immigrants from around the world heard that there were fortunes to be made in California, people from distant lands have migrated and settled in California, making it their new home. Most try to blend and adopt to the cultural activities, traditions and events that are considered American, but many also try not to lose their heritage and its celebrations. Thus, Culture California is the remembrance of old ways, homeland traditions and things that are either remembered or feel instinctively part of our being. Some of the largest and fastest growing cultures in California include Spanish speaking people, who will soon become the majority population in California. Asians come from all parts of the Pacific Rim, and their cultures are as diverse as the countries from which they originate.
In addition, Irish celebrate Scottish games, Germans like Oktoberfest, Russians, Jews, Afro-Americans and every culture does something or holds some event to help their people remember their roots, and to teach others in the community about their ways and customs. Cultural annual events in California can be quite fun such as the huge Chinese Parade in San Francisco, or Cinco de Mayo, which has become more of a margarita and Mexican food activity in the U.S. Still, even Mexican-Americans in California have fun and embrace the celebration. The truth is that few cultural events in California hold true to their original forms that may have been or are still celebrated in the homeland. But event success often requires adaptation and in California, people have a way of latching onto anything that's fun or different, and taking ownership of it.
include Cultural Heritage Events. By Culture:
Cajun Gaslamp Mardi Gras San Diego each spring the streets of Gaslamp Quarter come alive with Mardi Gras. Traditional costume, beads, music, dance, special drinks and a whole lot of people fill the streets of San Diego's historic district to celebrate Cajun culture New Orleans style. While Mardi Gras is really based on the Christian religion (Catholicism) those who celebrate often have no idea that there's any religious basis for the event, which is purely fun.
Celtic Celtic Faire and Festival held in the California Gold Country region each March includes song, dance and costumes to mimic the Celtic culture and era.
Chinese / Asian Chinese New Year Parade San Francisco attracts around half a million people onto the crowded, celebrated streets of San Francisco for a parade that lasts several hours and includes colorful costumes, floats and traditional dragon dance. Local politicians come out for the event and ride in the parade with their families. It really is great, free entertainment. Tet Festival in Westminster or Garden Grove. This event has been carried along by a student union group of Asian college students dedicated to keeping the memory of their culture alive each year during the Chinese New Year in February. A beauty pageant showcases the cultural costumes and elegance of the young woman who look beautiful in their colorful attire.
Christian Religion Glory of Christmas Pageant is held annually at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. Live animals such as camels and sheep are on stage in this splendid crystal sky-domed building where angels fly from the air into the scene. Beautifully staged, the event actually runs for more than a month but sells out most nights. Living Nativities are annual outdoor re-enactments of the Christian religion's favorite holiday and story, Christmas and the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.
Danish Solvang - Holidays. Solvang is the Danish Capital of America, the city proclaims. There isn't just one statue of Hans Christian Andersen in the city, there are several. From Danish Days celebration to the annual Christmas receptions and tree lighting ceremony, most anything you do in Solvang with have a Danish spin.
German Oktoberfest is by far the biggest celebration associated with German culture in California. This annual event has actually grown in popularity to encompass community events and fairs that throw in the theme in their fall celebrations. Generally associated with German beer, Chicken Dance and bratwurst, if you don't offer one or several such items to your event, you'll let the people down. Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest reflects the hearty, mountain environment. Actual log sawing occurs right on the dance floor, and a beer stein carrying contest has actually sent a maiden to Germany to compete because she was able to qualify by carrying nearly 20 mugs in her hands, all filled with beer. Wow! Huntington Beach - Oktoberfest goes on for a month and a half. It includes nightly entertainment with German bands from Deutschland. Torrance - Oktoberfest is low key till night comes along. Held at a permanent venue, the German restaurant and club next door offer German music and celebrations all year long.
Hispanic Cinco de Mayo San Diego - Returning to Old Town San Diego, this event includes authentic music, cocktails and beers, and an atmosphere fairly close to home for many Hispanics who work and/or live in the San Diego region. With Mexico just across the border, more of the Mexican foods and customs are drawn into this unique celebration some say the U.S. celebrates more than Mexico does.
Native American Pow Wow for Peace in San Juan Bautista - This pow wow raises money for peace activities and celebrates native American culture through dance, arts and song. Held each spring at a California mission, the event attracts a huge audience.
Sikh Sikh Festival in Yuba City / Marysville area is part religious, but the part the community likes is the festival and parade that enters the streets of this northern California city with colorful costumes, plus unique foods and customs that honor friendship and good living.
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