Houston-area festivals tip hat to international influence
Visitors can get a taste of different cultures around the world without leaving town in this spring’s international festivals.
To start, the city of Tomball will feature a German Heritage Festival, March 23-25, that will feature live musical performances on four stages from entertainers such as The Chardon Polka Band, Yodel Blitz and Tubameisters, among others.
There also will be more than 200 street vendors featuring German heritage items, clothing and souvenirs for those who want to get started on Christmas shopping early. Also, expect traditional German treats like bratwurst (sausage), schnitzel (fried, tenderized meat) and blintzes (thin, rolled pancakes with cheese or fruit fillings). Admission is free and a shuttle to the event’s location (Old Town Tomball) is provided.
For an adventure in the Far East, head to Hermann Park April 14-15 for the annual Japan Festival. Witness Japanese martial arts performances such as Aikido or judo, marvel at the ancient flower arrangement custom known as Ikebana, and participate in a Japanese tea ceremony.
Artistic displays of origami (folded decorative paper), etagami (postcard art), and bonsai (trees kept in containers) also will be available. Japanese and Japanese-inspired food will be available, such as yakitori (charcoal-grilled chicken skewers), matcha (green tea) ice cream and
karaage (popcorn chicken). Admission is free.
Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish will host the Houston Polish Festival May 4-6, since a large part of the Polish culture is tied to its Catholic faith. Expect to see traditional dance performances in Polish costume such as the mazur, Slavic bridal flower crowns for sale, and pierogis (stuffed dumplings) to snack on.
Adult admission is $5, while admission for children under 12 years old and seniors over 65 years old is free.
In a similar fashion, the Houston Greek Fest, from May 17-20 this year, will take place on the grounds of the St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church. Church tours will be available at no cost. The festival also will feature a children’s dance performance by Team Opa!, as well as a Zebekiko “lonely mourning” dance contest for non-Greeks.
Shopping is available at a “Santorini Walk” area, and sample pork souvlaki (kabobs), tiropitas (cheese pastries) and loukoumades (honey puffs) to curb the appetite. Admission is $5 and children under 10 years old are admitted free.