Although San Diego is a large, ethnically diverse Californian city, it embraces the differences in its society and its citizens enjoy many cultural activities. Balboa Park, centrally located just north of downtown San Diego, hosts over 32 international country cottages, plus holds cultural parades and functions throughout the year.
The international cottages are located in Balboa Park, southwest of the museums. Each Sunday, one of the cottages presents cultural events based on its country of origin. Events may be as elaborate as a festival or simple, such as a dance, art or interactive entertainment. Annually in December, the cottages hold the International Christmas Festival, which showcases traditions and food from around the globe.
House of Pacific Relations
2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-0739
sdhpr.org
San Diego contains a vibrant Irish community who keep the homeland alive with Irish cultural activities. Besides the annual and infamous Irish Day Parade, which occurs each March, activities, such as Irish dance, language and music, thrive through the Irish cottage of the Pacific International Cottages in Balboa Park. Many communities posses their own Irish drinking establishment, where you can grab a pint of Guinness, eat Irish food, root for your favorite rugby team and listen to an Irish band.
Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Irish Congress of Southern California
415 Laurel Street
PMB #113
San Diego, CA 92101
858-268-9111
stpatsparade.org
Irish Ceili--Tower After Hours
San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-2001
museumofman.org/tower-after-hours
Pride of Erin Irish Ceili Dancing for Adults.
2450 Dulzura Ave.
San Diego, CA 92104
619-584-4698
pride-of-erin.com
Beginning Irish Class.
Conversational Irish Class
House of Ireland--House of Pacific Relations
2125 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-0739
irish-cottage.net
San Diego is home to the Barona and Sycuan American Indian tribes, who share their culture with the community. Besides providing bingo and other legalized gambling activities in their casinos, these Indian tribes hold the annual September Pow Wow. At this Indian festival, you may participate in learning Indian dance rituals, try on authentic Indian gear or listen to an Indian fable.
Barona
1932 Wildcat Canyon Rd.
Lakeside, CA 92040
619-443-2300
barona.com
Sycuan
5469 Casino Way
El Cajon, CA 92019
619-445-6002
sycuancasino.com/
sycuantribe.com/html/pow-wow.html
Given San Diego's close physical proximity to Mexico, strong cultural ties exist to this country. Old Town, a San Diego suburb, holds Mexican-based activities in San Diego, such as the Cinco de Mayo celebration in May and the Spirits of Mexico in September. Shop at Bazaar del Mundo, which sells Mexican products, such as sombreros, flowers or leather goods, and gives an impression of Tijuana, Mexico, alas without the bargaining.
Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce
2383 San Diego Avenue
San Diego CA 92110
619-291-4903
oldtownsandiegoguide.com
Bazaar del Mundo
4133 Taylor Street
San Diego, CA 92110-2706
oldtownsandiegoguide.com/ads/restaurant/bazaardelmundo.html
The largest Chinese cultural event in San Diego is the Chinese New Year celebration attended by many San Diegans. This celebration includes the parade and festival, where Chinese dancers perform. All communities possess Chinese food establishments, where you can use chopsticks and sample broccoli with beef, orange chicken or won ton soup.
San Diego Chinese Center
428 Third Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-4447
sdcc.weebly.com
