Experience Houston, a Modern Mecca for Cultural Diversity
HOUSTON—The fourth largest city in the United States is also one of the most culturally-rich cities in the nation. Home to 88 consulates, the third largest consular corps in the nation, Houston radiates with diversity, giving the city one of the most vivid cultural scenes in the country. Sample cultures from around the world right here in Houston, and discover something new from a far away land.
CELEBRATE DIVERSITY!
In April 2008, the Houston International Festival turned its spotlight on Africa in downtown Houston. The Houston International Festival is one of the city's largest annual events with more than 1 million attendees, filling two weekends with exotic music, street performers, delicious ethnic foods and unique crafts and art exhibits.
FIESTAS UNLIKE ANY OTHER
Houston has embraced the Latino culture of many of its citizens by integrating it into all aspects of the city. The city hosts a variety of festivals and celebrations honoring these vibrant cultures, and food from Mexico and Central and South America has long been abundant in Houston's renowned food scene. Mainstream museums and theaters offer Spanish-language performances, exhibits and Web sites to attract a larger Hispanic audience.
Houston is home to Talento Bilingüe de Houston, one of the largest Latino cultural centers in the country. Founded in 1977 as "Teatro Bilingüe de Houston" (Bilingual Theater of Houston), this non-profit organization has evolved into a Latino cultural arts center that has offered programs and activities such as mariachi, ballet folklorico, video and film production, professional theater, art exhibitions, festivals and photography.
Specializing in the culture and traditions of Mexico and the Southwest, Casa Ramirez Folk Art in the Heights exhibits Vaqueros, Amor Eterno, Crosses and Symbols of Faith, Cinco de Mayo, Día de los Muertos and Fiestas Navideñas.
Houston's Cinco de Mayo Celebration, held in honor of Mexico's defeat over invading French forces, is an annual festival held at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park. A parade through downtown, mariachi bands, Mexican dancers and food are just a few of the festivities guests can partake in each May.
Houston's Fiestas Patrias enliven the month of September with exciting celebrations. During this month, many Latin American countries come together to celebrate their independence with traditional music, foods and fiesta. Some of the countries celebrating their independence include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras on Sept. 15, Mexico on Sept. 16 and Chile on Sept. 18. Houston's friendly Latino community makes this one of the most spirited months with salsa, arroz con pollo, merengue, tamales and all the great flavors of Latin America.
TO THE BEAT OF THE FAR EAST
The city's new AsianTown, now located in southwest Houston, offers visitors distinctive shops and restaurants for a truly Far East experience. The local chefs' favorite is the Hong Kong City Market, the area's largest superstore offering a variety of fish and meats, as well as exotic fruits and vegetables from Beijing to Bangkok. Make sure to stop at the Ocean Palace, the best choice for dim sum and Vietnamese-style ballroom entertainment.
Not far from Chinatown is the Kaminari Taiko Center, offering exciting educational programs as well as dynamic performances to the drum beats of Japan. Other centers offering regular cultural events and programs include Jade Buddha Temple, a serene center for meditation and growth run by the Texas Buddhist Association, and the Texas Teo-Chew Temple, with its awe-inspiring sculptures to Taoist deities. Houston has more than 40 Buddhist and Taoist temples serving the community through religious ceremonies and educational programs. To experience it all with a guide from the Chinese Community Center, participate in an Asian Heritage Tour for a true insider's look into this thriving community.
Hermann Park's Japanese Garden transforms into a Japanese village during the annual Houston Japan Festival in April of each year. A time-honored tea ceremony, Koto music, dance groups, drummers, martial arts specialists, Japanese games, traditional Japanese arts and crafts and many other cultural demonstrations and displays will entertain visitors of all ages.
A WINDOW TO AFRICA'S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
Project Row Houses (PRH) is a neighborhood-based art and cultural organization located in Houston's Third Ward. PRH was established in 1993 on a site of 22 abandoned shotgun houses (circa 1930) to connect the work of artists with the revitalization of our community. It was inspired by the work of African-American artist Dr. John Biggers who celebrated the social significance of the shotgun house community in his paintings. This unique public art project combines art with issues of neighborhood revitalization, historic preservation, community service, youth education and the celebration of African-American history and culture.
Catch a performance at Ensemble Theatre, the largest African-American professional theatre company in the U.S. that produces in-house and owns its own facility. Each year, the theater presents a repertoire of critically acclaimed dramas, comedies, and musicals that demonstrate the artistic ability of more than 250 professional local, regional and national artists and staff.
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of the African-American soldier. It houses the largest repository of African-American military history in the world. The museum displays historical artifacts, documents, videos, prints and other historical memorabilia which detail the history of these brave men.
The annual parade celebrating the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. goes through the heart of Houston. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade, which takes place each January, also features the All American Battle of the Marching Bands at Reliant Park, with competitors from Louisiana, Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma.
On June 19, 1865, Texans learned of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed all slaves. Now, more than 135 years later, Houstonians celebrate African-American heritage during Houston's Juneteenth Celebration held June 19 at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park.
EURO FUN ALL YEAR LONG
The Alliance Francaise de Houston was founded in 1923, and is the center for everything French in Houston. Part of a network of over 1,100 chapters, the Alliance Francaise offers a variety of cultural mingling events including concerts and exhibits through out the year.
The Czech Cultural Center in the Museum District celebrates the culture of Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia and Silesia with events and exhibitions. The center features language classes, a museum, archives, genealogy resources, event facilities, library and an ecumenical chapel.
For more European-style fun visit Mi Luna in Rice Village and treat yourself to all kinds of tapas or a flamenco performance.
And make sure to catch the Festa Italiana each October, featuring a weekend of Italian music, classic Italian sports cars, great food and a grape stomp!
Celebrate the annual Houston Greek Festival in October on the grounds of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Authentic Greek food, wine, dancing and artifacts provide fun for the entire family.
Houston's vibrant Turkish community celebrates its rich Western-Arab heritage with the annual Houston Turkish Festival. Sponsored by the American Turkish Association, this popular festival promotes understanding and friendship through cultural and charitable activities. Plan a whole day at the festival and browse for rare gifts at the Grand Bazaar or relax with some Turkish tea or coffee.
FROM SUSHI TO CABRITO
A great way to experience other cultures is through their food, and Houston offers one of the nation's most diverse culinary selections. With more than 5,000 restaurants, Houston has you covered with everything from beef stroganoff to carne asada. Start your day at The Breakfast Klub, famous for its Katfish and Grits and Waffles and Wings. For lunch, Greek gyros are a perfect alternative to the standard burger. At Niko Niko's, a Greek institution in Houston, moist, aromatic lamb slices are blanketed by a warm, plushy pita with sweet onions and creamy cucumber-garlic tzatziki sauce. For dessert, try the churros at Hugo's, an upscale authentic Mexican restaurant, or the Tres Leches at Latin culinary favorite, Churrasco's. Pezcalato Peruvian Restaurant on Richmond takes ceviche to the next level with its delectable mélange of tender octopus, squid and mussels in a lime juice marinade, covered with flecks of fresh cilantro paste. Choose from a slew of wonderful Chinese restaurants representing the food cultures of Canton, Shanghai, Hunan and Sichuan provinces, or opt for a fine Japanese sushi bar like Rickshaw. One of Houston's most popular Vietnamese restaurants, Mo Mong adds a touch of Asian fusion to its menu with choices like wasabi crab cakes and some of the best spring rolls in town.
MULTICULTURAL COWBOY CULTURE
Come full-circle on your cultural discovery tour and experience first-hand one of the nation's biggest cultural icons-the cowboy. The American Cowboy Museum on Taylor Stevenson Ranch brings a new perspective to the conventional cowboy. This museum preserves the western heritage of African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and women.
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