How to Experience the Culture All Around Us

Many students want to learn Spanish to enhance their travels to Spanish-speaking countries. They love the vibrancy of the people and feeling immersed in the rich culture all around them.
"I want to move to Mexico one day” and “I love how I feel when I’m in Spanish-speaking countries” are common sentiments, and Latin American countries are popular travel destinations.

There are many Latino cultures all in one place in California.

We love that our students desire immersive cultural experiences. What’s wonderful is that we live in a place rich with Latinx people and culture. In fact, the United States is projected to be the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world by 2050.

However, many people don’t have the same vibrant, immersive linguistic and cultural experiences in California as they do when they’re traveling abroad.

It’s worth stopping to ask ourselves why.

For decades, our country has sent the message to immigrants to integrate into our culture, thereby squeezing out their culture. Research shows that even though the Latino population in the U.S. is increasing, Spanish fluency is on the decline.

There is immense value in traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. But we’re also here to encourage you to recognize the immense value–and responsibility–there is right here in California.

There’s beauty in getting to know your vecinos (neighbors).

Many students want to connect with their Spanish-speaking neighbors, co-workers, and local community members in California. They desire to turn awkward moments into meaningful interactions where they can show respect and care to the people they see day in and day out.

We encourage you to take that a step further and go the extra mile to make them feel welcome in the community. Show an interest in their culture and the issues they face here. Make a genuine effort to become friends. And be open to making friends anywhere!

Suggestions for upcoming events in the North Bay:

• Anytime, Mitote Food Park in Santa Rosa

• Various dates, Spanish Music & Movement for Kids in Sonoma and Marin Counties

• March 18, Oaxacan Frame Art Workshop in Windsor

• March 23, Bilingual Family Concert in Santa Rosa

• April 11, Bilingual Family Concert in Santa Rosa

• April 21, Intersection of Environmental Justice & Equity in Rohnert Park

• April 23, ¡Así Danzan Los Niños! in Sonoma

• April 30, Festival del Día del Niño in Cotati

• May 6, Traditional Cuban Music in Petaluma

• September 10, Latin Heritage Month Celebration in Santa Rosa

Suggestions for organizations to connect with:

• North Bay Organizing Project

• North Bay Jobs with Justice

• Canal Alliance

• Latino Community Foundation

• Los Cien

• Raizes Collective

• La Prensa Sonoma

• Colors of Spanish

• La Voz Bilingüe

*Reading from another area in California? We’d love to include events local to you in the future. Let us know your county here.