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A three-day celebration of Texas people, culture, heritage...
SAN ANTONIO – Though they came to Texas by different paths and for
different reasons, the people who make their home here have had an
indelible impact on the state’s cultural fabric. June 7-9 at the
Institute of Texan Cultures, the Texas Folklife Festival will celebrate
this unique cultural identity that is Texas.
The Texas Folklife Festival is a demonstration and experience of the Texas identity.
“Folklife is about participating with other cultures,” said
festival director Jo Ann Andera. “It’s not something you can get from a
book, a TV show or an object in a display. Culture is living and when
you see it all around you and get to experience it for yourself, that’s
when you appreciate how amazing the people around you really are.”
The Texas Folklife Festival gathers participating groups from
nearly 40 different cultures that have made Texas their home. Some of
the cultures, such as the German, Greek and Lebanese, have been here for
generations. Others, such as the Pakistani and Vietnamese have only
been in Texas for a few decades and the festival is often the first time
these groups are introduced to the community.
“On a number of occasions, we’ve heard groups say, ‘now we really
feel like Texans; we’ve been welcomed in our new home,’ Andera said.
The Texas Folklife Festival is an opportunity to experience these cultural groups and life ways through music, dance, food, craftsmanship and other
traditions. A dedicated group of festival participants preserves trades
and skills that were necessary to tame the Texas Frontier. While
leatherwork, blacksmithing, basket weaving and pottery have been
relegated to the hobby arena, these participants pass on the skills that
helped Texans win a foothold on the land.
Music and dance travel with a culture and there are many examples
of this “hidden passenger” at Folklife. Stages could as easily host a
troupe of cloggers, Chinese Lion Dancers, or a group of hula dancers.
Music could range from zydeco, to Spanish guitar, to classic rock ‘n’
roll.
Food choices are easily as diverse as the musical selections. A
hamburger would be tough to find, unless it’s served on American Indian
fry bread. Folklife offers about 150 menu items, sweet, savory and
everything in between. It’s a great place to find rarities like Scotch
eggs or pierogi, and old favorites like bratwurst and gyros.
“Folklife is the quintessential Texas experience,” said Andera.
“It’s our food, our music, our dance and the skills that helped us
settle out state. There’s so much to learn, enjoy and experience. It
you’re a Texan, come celebrate who you are. If you’re a visitor, come
see what it’s all about.”
The 2013 Texas Folklife Festival is June 7 to 9 at the Institute of
Texan Cultures, 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. Admission is Adult (13+):
$10 in advance*, $12 at the gate; Child (6-12): $5 in advance*, $5 at
the gate; Children 5 and under are FREE. Group sales of 10 or more adult
tickets are available in advance only, for $8 each. There may be
convenience fees for advance purchase at some locations and online.
Advance tickets are now available online, and at HEB Stores, Ft. Sam
Houston, Lackland AFB, Randolph AFB and the ITC museum store. For more
information, call 210-458-2300 or visit Texan Cultures.
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