From Gold Rush days, people from around the country and the world have viewed California as a land of opportunity. Today, the faces of its citizens reflect virtually every area of the globe, as new arrivals continue to stake their claims to the California dream.
The Golden State has more people who speak Spanish, and people of Native American, Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean and Vietnamese ancestry, than any other state.
Non-Hispanic Caucasians - whose ancestors came from countries such as England, Ireland, Germany, and Italy - are the largest group, making up a bit more than half of the population.
More than a quarter of Californians are Hispanic. Most of them have ethnic roots in Spain and Latin America, especially in Mexico and Central America.
Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders are about one-tenth of the state's population, and African-Americans are about 7 percent. Although Native Americans make up less than one percent of the total population, California has about 250 Native American tribes, more than exist in any other state.
One of the best ways to learn about Californians is to eat in ethnic restaurants. There you can find Chinese dim sum (dumplings and other "little bites"), Japanese sushi (rice with bits of raw fish), American meat kabobs, Nicaraguan tamales, Mexican fish tacos, and Pad Thai (noodles with shrimp).
The many festivals and celebrations held in the state also reflect its ethnic diversity. In San Francisco, the annual Chinese New Year Festival and Parade (usually in February) features a huge dancing dragon and brightly lit floats. In early May, Mexican-Americans throughout the state celebrate Cinco de Mayo; some of the biggest fiestas are held in Los Angeles and San Jose.
Native American tribes gather from across the country to dance and sing at the annual Indian Fair held each June in San Diego. And in late summer, the Los Angeles African Marketplace and Cultural Faire celebrates African culture around the world.
Each July, the French Festival in Santa Barbara celebrates the music, art, dancing, and food of France. In Sacramento, the Japanese Cultural Bazaar is held every August. This popular, 50-year-old festival features Japanese food, dancing, art, and Taiko drummers.
