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Portuguese Footprints in California

The identity of the United States has been grounded in the notion that it is a “nation of immigrants” and it is precisely this diversity and multiculturalism that makes America unique. People from the world over come here to build a better life, but America, too, benefits from their innumerable contributions to our cultural, scientific, and economic vitality.

Portuguese immigrants continue to leave a mark in their chosen corners of the United States, just as generations of immigrants have before them. They left to pursue employment, educational and professional opportunities that they would have had little hope of finding had they remained in Portugal. And they have added to the richness of the American tapestry by giving of themselves -- their hard work, initiative, ingenuity, culture, and charity.

Click on an article below.

Portuguese Footprints -- Commercial Scene Farming and the dairy industry gave way to the trades, commerce, industry, and the professions.

Portuguese Footprints -- Culinary Delights Hearty soups, fish and pork dishes, linguiça, sausages, and sweet desserts

Portuguese Footprints -- Everywhere You Look Everywhere you look, you can find reminders of the Portuguese presence in California.

Portuguese Footprints -- Newer Landmarks New footprints reflect the varying patterns in the Portuguese community.

Portuguese Footprints -- Parks and Monuments Parks, monuments, and plaques commemorate the activities of Portuguese pioneers.

Portuguese Footprints -- Rural Landscapes Rural landscapes throughout California are dotted by hundreds of Portuguese dairy farms.

Portuguese Footprints -- The Churches The Church has been an important comfort for the immigrant.

Portuguese Footprints -- The Festas The most important cultural event in the California Portuguese-American community is the Holy Ghost Festa.

Portuguese Footprints -- The Halls At one time, there were 99 Portuguese halls.

Portuguese Footprints: Along the Hwy 99 Corridor Documentary about Portuguese-Americans along the Hwy 99 corridor in California's Central Valley.

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