- Immigration History: Many Mexican families settled in Yakima Valley as agricultural workers in the early 1900s.
- Communities: Historic Latino neighborhoods include El Centro de la Raza in Seattle’s Beacon Hill and Toppenish in Yakima Valley.
- Languages: Spanish and indigenous languages like Mixteco, and Zapoteco are common and language programs help preserve them.
- Art & Literature: Latino artists and writers explore themes of identity, labor issues, and immigration through murals, and novels.
- Music: Genres like Tejano, Norteño, cumbia, and salsa reflect diverse heritages and influence modern regional sounds.
- Food: Dishes like tacos, tamales, and chiles rellenos represent culinary traditions from different Latin American countries.
- Celebrations: Festivals like DÃa de los Muertos, and Cinco de Mayo honor cultural roots and keep traditions alive.
- Politics: Community activists have fought for fair wages, health services, and educational equity for generations.
- Today: Latinos greatly impact the cultural fabric of Washington through contributions in many fields.
Rich traditions from Mexico, and Central/South America shape the arts, businesses, and identity of communities across the state.
