Many hope that their cultures will someday be accepted as being part of American culture. Although many people consider them a single group, Hispanic Americans represent a rich variety of cultures. A single, common Hispanic culture does not exist. There are, however, important similarities among Hispanic groups, who together strongly influence U.S. culture. Food is one area in which Hispanic influences are apparent in the United States.
Mexican foods are especially popular.
The taco, a folded tortilla filled with meat, cheese, and other ingredients, is as common in some areas as hamburgers and hot dogs. Other Mexican dishes, such as enchiladas, tamales, and tostadas, are also served in restaurants throughout the United States. Dances and dance music from the Caribbean islands, especially Cuba, were first performed in American ballrooms in the late 1800's. Some popular Cuban dances have included the bomba, the cha-cha, the conga, the mambo, the rumba, and salsa. Much of the music and dancing was derived from the culture of African slaves who worked on West Indian sugar plantations from the early 1500's to the 1800's.