Watsonville’s rich history reflected in its many cultural events
Back in 1999, the Watsonville Public Library received a grant from the California State Library for a program called Shades of California: Exploring Our History Through Family Photographs.
Naming the local program Shades of Watsonville, the library held a Photo Day, where community members brought photographs to the library for copying and possible inclusion into the archive.
The second part of the project is the Shades Photo Exhibit that includes a representative 50 photographs that are put on display at the library at various times.
Those images represent the cultural diversity and history of the city and surrounding area. Through history, the population was defined by its historical link with Spain, Mexico and the mass movement of people heading west.
Following the California Gold Rush of 1848, many new settlers arrived in the valley to obtain land with the gold they had found and to raise crops for California’s exploding population. Many who had not been lucky in the gold fields also found their “gold” in agriculture. Even after the “rush” was over, immigrants from many foreign countries and the other States continued to arrive to participate in growing and harvesting the increasingly diverse crops.
Today, the valley’s population reflects this historical diversity with descendants of Ohlones, Californios, Northern and Southern Europeans, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African-Americans and others.
Check out These Culutral Events
The following list reflects the rich cultural array of activities in and around Watsonville:
The city has a rich history of agriculture and farming, which is celebrated each year with the Watsonville Strawberry Festival. The festival is a popular event that features live music, carnival rides and of course, delicious strawberry treats. It also provides nonprofits the opportunity to raise funds and public awareness of their work and how their work makes Watsonville a better place for everyone.
The Pajaro Valley Historical Association Museum is a hidden gem in Watsonville that offers visitors a glimpse into the Pajaro Valley’s past. The museum features exhibits on the history of agriculture, transportation and everyday life in the area.
Watsonville has a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Henry J. Mello Center for the Performing Arts hosts a variety of shows and concerts throughout the year.
Pajaro Valley Arts was founded as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1984 to promote and foster cultural events in South Santa Cruz County. It features rotating exhibits and workshops by local artists. Its current exhibit “Take Aways Art to Go!” runs through May 7 and features 77 of the county’s most notable artists. As a fundraising event these artists are presenting works that fit into many budgets.
Watsonville Buddhist Temple is one of Pajaro Valley’s oldest institutions. The temple was established in 1906 and has been serving the area for both religious worship and community service.
Established in 1940, the Pajaro Valley Historical Association preserves, interprets and promotes the history of the diverse cultures that shaped California’s Monterey Bay area. The Bockius-Orr House has been its headquarters since 1997, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Get In Touch Today
Living in this diverse, culturally active community is about to get easier. Groundwork has begun on our 144-home Hillcrest Estate subdivision on an 11.27-acre hilltop between Ohlone Parkway and Walker Street above Watsonville Slough.
The ACT Team has opened an off-site sales office for presales. For a detailed homes availability list and floor plan options, register online here, or contact Andy Ardila at (415) 608-1003 or by email at act@compass.com.