Hispanic and Latino Americans make up 30.1% (pop. 400,337) of the population of San Diego, California, and 35.0% (pop. 1,145,183) of San Diego County, [1] [2] with the majority of Hispanics and Latinos in San Diego being Mexican American.
| Hispanic/Latino Origin/Ancestry | City of San Diego | County of San Diego |
|---|---|---|
 Mexican | 331,283 | 984,171 |
 Puerto Rican | 12,228 | 27,587 |
 Portuguese | 9,307 (2016) [3] | 19,717 |
 Spanish | 5,620 | 14,774 |
 Salvadoran | 6,756 | 12,210 |
 Colombian | 8,119 | 11,945 |
 Peruvian | 4,785 | 11,572 |
 Guatemalan | 3,284 | 10,251 |
 Brazilian | 3,091 (2010) [4] | |
 Cuban | 2,860 | 7,581 |
 Honduran | 2,097 | 3,859 |
 Ecuadorian | 1,158 | 3,665 |
 Dominican | 1,233 | 4,518 |
 Chilean | 1,544 | 2,361 |
The region has been shaped by the presence and contributions of Hispanics and Latinos ever since the discovery of San Diego by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542.
The Spanish established a presidio (fort) and Mission San Diego de Alcalá in 1769, marking the foundation of the city. [5] Over the following decades, more missions were established throughout California, including the nearby Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. During the Spanish colonial period, which lasted until 1821, the region became an important location for trade and communication.
With Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821, San Diego became part of Mexican territory. The period of Mexican rule saw the growth of a vibrant Mexican population in San Diego. The Californio rancheros, descendants of Spanish settlers, played a significant role in the development of the region. They engaged in ranching, agriculture, and trade, contributing to the economic prosperity of San Diego. Prominent Californio families and individuals, such as the Estudillos and Peruvian-born Juan Bandini, played a crucial role in shaping the city's development and cultural identity. [6]
In 1848, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War, and San Diego, along with the rest of California, became part of the United States. This transition marked a pivotal point in the history of Hispanics and Latinos in San Diego, as their status and rights within the new American society were redefined.
Californios secured cultural and social recognition in the region, but were unable to control the political system. By 1860, most had left the area and the remainder were on the decline economically. [7] Many Mexican Americans in San Diego left for Tijuana and other parts of Baja California, those who stayed faced various challenges during this period. Discrimination and political marginalization were prevalent, undermining their social and economic opportunities. [8]
As San Diego grew in the early 1900's, the region also attracted Portuguese immigrants, with many of them settling in the Roseville-Fleetridge neighborhood in Point Loma, San Diego, with many employed in the city's tuna industry. [9]
In World War II, Hispanics made major breakthroughs in employment San Diego and in nearby farm districts. They benefitted from new skills, contacts, and experiences provided by the military, filled many newly opened unskilled labor jobs, gained some high-paying jobs in the military installations and aircraft factories, and were welcomed by the labor unions, especially the Cannery Workers Union.
The civil rights movement in the United States had a profound impact on the Hispanic and Latino community in San Diego. Activists and organizations, such as the Chicano Movement, fought for equal rights, educational opportunities, and improved living conditions. Their efforts paved the way for greater inclusion and recognition of the contributions made by Hispanics and Latinos in San Diego.
Barrio Logan, located in the southeastern part of downtown San Diego, is a historically significant neighborhood predominantly inhabited by Mexican Americans. The community has deep roots tracing back to the early 20th century when Mexican laborers settled in the area, working in the nearby shipyards and canneries. Despite facing economic challenges and social injustices, the residents of Barrio Logan have demonstrated resilience and pride in their heritage. [10]
Today, Barrio Logan is recognized as an important cultural hub and is renowned for its vibrant Chicano art scene. The neighborhood is home to numerous art galleries, studios, and mural-lined streets that showcase the creativity and activism of the local community. Chicano Park, established in 1970 beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, stands as a symbol of cultural pride and activism, adorned with colorful murals depicting Mexican and Chicano history and culture. [11]
Logan Heights, located just east of downtown San Diego, has a significant history and presence of Mexican American and Latino residents. It was established in the late 19th century as a residential area for workers in the booming industries of the time.
The neighborhood has been the site of significant civil rights struggles and community activism. During the 1960s and 1970s, Logan Heights was at the forefront of the Chicano Movement, advocating for social justice, educational equity, and fair representation. The community successfully fought against the displacement of residents due to urban renewal projects, preserving the neighborhood's cultural heritage. [12]
City Heights, located in the eastern part of San Diego, is a diverse neighborhood that reflects the multicultural tapestry of the city. It has a significant population of immigrants from Central America, South America, and other Hispanic Caribbean countries. Over the years, City Heights has been a destination for refugees and immigrants fleeing political unrest, violence, and economic hardships in their home countries.
San Ysidro, located in the southernmost part of San Diego, on the Mexico-US border, is a vibrant community with a significant Hispanic and Latino population. It serves as a gateway between the United States and Mexico, characterized by its cultural diversity and strong ties to Mexican heritage.
San Ysidro has a rich history shaped by its proximity to Mexico and its role as a busy land border crossing. The community embraces its cross-border connections, with many residents having familial and cultural ties on both sides of the border. The neighborhood's cultural heritage is reflected in its diverse mix of Mexican, Central American, and other Hispanic and Latino populations.
The Roseville-Fleetridge neighborhood of San Diego holds the main street for Portuguese community and business known as Avenida de Portugal, the city's unrecognized Little Portugal district. Saint Agnes Catholic Church holds services in Portuguese twice a month and hosts the annual Festa do Espirito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit), a religious festival which has been staged every year since 1910 and is San Diego's oldest ethnic tradition. [13] Many Portuguese San Diegans can trace their origins to the Azores and Madeira. Community members of the area have been seeking an official recognition for a Little Portugal district. [14]
San Diego's Hispanic and Latino culture has deeply influenced its architecture, cuisine, and art. These cultural elements reflect the diverse heritage and traditions of the Hispanic and Latino communities in the region.
The Mission Revival architecture, prevalent in San Diego, pays homage to the Spanish colonial heritage. Inspired by the design of the California missions, this architectural style features elements such as red tile roofs, stucco walls, bell towers, and arched windows and doorways. Notable examples of Mission Revival architecture in San Diego include Santa Fe Depot and the Junípero Serra Museum, and can be found in the construction of schools, libraries, churches, and commercial structures. [15]
Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, prevalent in the early 20th century, draws influence from the Spanish colonization period. Buildings designed in this style feature elements such as white stucco walls, wrought iron details, courtyards, and tilework. Balboa Park, home to numerous Spanish Colonial Revival buildings, including the California Building and the Museum of Us, showcases the grandeur of this architectural style. [16]
San Diego's culinary scene is known for its diverse Hispanic and Latino influences, with several dishes becoming some of the representations of the local food culture.
Fish tacos, a staple of San Diego's cuisine, originated from Baja California but was first popularized by the Rubio's fast-food chain in San Diego. This dish consists of fresh fish, typically battered and fried, served in a soft tortilla with cabbage, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
Carne asada fries, a San Diego creation, have also become a popular indulgence. While the exact origin of this dish is debated, Lolita's Mexican Food, a restaurant in San Diego, claims to have originated it in the late 1990s. [17] Carne Asada Fries feature French fries topped with marinated and grilled carne asada, melted cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.
The California burrito was also created in San Diego, though the inventor of the burrito remains unknown since it first popped up in Mexican restaurants across the city. [18] This burrito typically includes a flour tortilla filled with carne asada, French fries, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
The Surf and Turf burrito is also another burrito rooted in San Diego, which typically includes carne asada, shrimp, rice, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, guacamole, and salsa. Some variations of the Surf and Turf burrito utilizes two flour tortillas and could weigh up to 3lbs. [19]
A variation of this burrito is the Del Mar Burrito which includes shrimp, rice, lettuce, and pico de gallo.
Flautas, (or more widely known as rolled tacos or taquitos,) had its Mexican-American origins in San Diego, when Consolidated Aircraft factory workers asked tortilla factory owner Ralph Pesqueria Sr. to make portable lunch items in 1940. Based on his grandmother's recipe, he developed the "Taquito", and sold it to his customers, and eventually opened his own restaurant, El Indio Mexican Restaurant. [20] [21] The dish consists of small rolled-up tortillas that contain beef, chicken, or cheese as a filling.
The city is also home to various food chains, such as Roberto's Taco Shop (founded in 1964) and Rubio's Coastal Grill (founded in 1963), which have played significant roles in popularizing Mexican cuisine in the region.
Chicano Park, located beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in Barrio Logan, stands as a vibrant outdoor gallery and symbol of cultural pride. The park is adorned with murals that depict Mexican and Chicano history, culture, and struggles. [11]
The Spanish Village Art Center, situated in Balboa Park, was constructed with the intent of emulating a Spanish village. The center features studios, galleries, and shops where visitors can witness and purchase a wide range of artistic works, including paintings, ceramics, and sculptures.
Centro Cultural de la Raza, located in Balboa Park, is a cultural center dedicated to promoting and preserving Mexican, Chicano, and indigenous arts and culture. It hosts exhibitions, performances, workshops, and community events that celebrate the heritage and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities in San Diego.
The San Diego Latino Film Festival began in 1993 and focuses on diverse groups and culture in the Latino community through films. [22] [23]
A taco is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a small hand-sized corn- or wheat-based tortilla topped with a filling. The tortilla is then folded around the filling and eaten by hand. A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, vegetables, and cheese, and garnished with various condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and vegetables, such as lettuce, coriander, onion, tomatoes, and chiles. Tacos are a common form of antojitos, or Mexican street food, which have spread around the world.
Tejanos are descendants of Texas Creoles and Mestizos who settled in Texas before its admission as an American state. The term is also sometimes applied to Texans of Mexican descent.
The cuisine of California reflects the diverse culture of California and is influenced largely by European American, Hispanic American, East Asian and Oceanian influences, and Western European influences, as well as the food trends and traditions of larger American cuisine.
A Mission burrito is a type of burrito that first became popular during the 1960s in the Mission District of San Francisco, California. It is distinguished from other burritos by its large size and inclusion of rice and other ingredients. A key method to the burrito's construction is to steam the wheat flour tortilla to increase its flexibility prior to adding the other ingredients, although that is not a requirement and burritos may be grilled instead. It has been referred to as one of three major styles of burritos in the United States, following the earlier, simple burrito consisting of beans, rice, and meat. It precedes the California burrito, which was developed in the 1980s in San Diego and contains carne asada, cheese and French-fried potatoes.
Logan Heights is an urban neighborhood in central San Diego, California. It is bordered by Interstate 5 on the south and west, Interstate 15 on the east, and Imperial Avenue on the north. It is part of the Southeastern Planning Area.
A taquito, taco dorado, rolled taco, or flauta is a Mexican dish that typically consists of a small rolled-up tortilla that contains filling, including beef, cheese or chicken. The filled tortilla is then shallow-fried or deep-fried. The dish is often topped with condiments such as sour cream and guacamole. Corn tortillas are generally used to make taquitos. The dish is more commonly known as flautas when they are larger than their taquito counterparts, and can be made with either flour or corn tortillas.
Chicano Park is a 32,000 square meter park located beneath the San Diego–Coronado Bridge in Barrio Logan, a predominantly Chicano or Mexican American and Mexican-migrant community in central San Diego, California. The park is home to the country's largest collection of outdoor murals, as well as various sculptures, earthworks, and an architectural piece dedicated to the cultural heritage of the community.
Barrio Logan is a neighborhood in south central San Diego, California. It is bordered by the neighborhoods of East Village and Logan Heights to the north, Shelltown and Southcrest to the east, San Diego Bay to the southwest, and National City to the southeast. Interstate 5 forms the northeastern boundary. The Barrio Logan Community Plan Area comprises approximately 1,000 acres, of which slightly more than half is under the jurisdiction of the Port of San Diego or the United States Navy rather than the city of San Diego. The community is subject to the California Coastal Act. Though located near the city's central core, it has long been considered part of Southeast San Diego by many locals, being directly southeast of downtown San Diego, and with previous historical records labeling it as part of "Western Southeast San Diego."
Carne asada fries are a local dish speciality found on the menus of restaurants primarily in the American Southwest, including San Diego, where it originated.
Barrioization is a theory developed by Chicano scholars Albert Camarillo and Richard Griswold del Castillo to explain the historical formation and maintenance of ethnically segregated neighborhoods of Chicanos and Latinos in the United States. The term was first coined by Camarillo in his book Chicanos in a Changing Society (1979). The process was explained in the context of Los Angeles by Griswold del Castillo in The Los Angeles Barrio, 1850-1890: A Social History (1979). Camarillo defined the term as "the formation of residentially and segregated Chicano barrios or neighbourhoods." The term is used in the field of Human Geography.
The culture of San Diego, California, is influenced heavily by American and Mexican cultures due to its position as a border town, its large Hispanic population, and its history as part of Spanish America and Mexico. San Diego's longtime association with the U.S. military also contributes to its culture. Present-day culture includes many historical and tourist attractions, a thriving musical and theatrical scene, numerous notable special events, a varied cuisine, and a reputation as one of America's premier centers of craft brewing.
A burrito or burro in Mexico is, historically, a regional name, among others, for what is known as a taco, a tortilla filled with food, in other parts of the country. The term burrito was regional, specifically from Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacán, San Luis Potosí and Sinaloa, for what is known as a taco in Mexico City and surrounding areas, and codzito in Yucatán and Quintana Roo. Due to the cultural influence of Mexico City, the term taco became the default, and the meaning of terms like burrito and codzito were forgotten, leading many people to create new meanings and folk histories.
Salvador Roberto Torres is a Chicano artist and muralist and an early exponent of the Chicano art movement. He was one of the creators of Chicano Park, and led the movement to create its freeway-pillar murals. He was also a founder of the Centro Cultural de la Raza in San Diego, California.
Hispanic and Latino Californians are residents of the state of California who are of full or partial Hispanic or Latino ancestry. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Hispanics and Latinos of any race were 39.4% of the state's population, making it the largest ethnicity in California.
Mexican Americans have lived in Los Angeles since the original Pobladores, the 44 original settlers and 4 soldiers who founded the city in 1781. People of Mexican descent make up 31.9% of Los Angeles residents, and 32% of Los Angeles County residents.
Josephine S. "Josie" Talamantez is a historian from San Diego, California. She co-founded Chicano Park in 1970 and helped develop it into a cultural National Historic Landmark containing the largest collection of artistic murals in the United States. Talamantez was also the Chief of Programs for the California Arts Council, served as the director of the Centro Cultural de la Raza, and was on the board of the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture.
A Mexican American is a resident of the United States who is of Mexican descent. Mexican American-related topics include the following:
Roberto's Taco Shop is a chain of Mexican restaurants in California and Nevada, with locations primarily in San Diego and the Las Vegas Valley. It is based in Las Vegas, and it has 77 locations as of 2020. The company originated with a tortilleria that was founded in San Ysidro, San Diego, in 1964, by Roberto Robledo and his wife Dolores. They subsequently purchased several restaurants, before renaming them Roberto's Taco Shop around 1970. The chain expanded to the Las Vegas Valley in 1990, and was also operating in Miami by the end of the decade.
Mis Tacones is a Chicano and queer-owned vegan taquería in Portland, Oregon.
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