UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures hosts Texas Folklife Festival June 13-14
Share this Story(June 12, 2015) -- The UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures invites all visitors to "Get Your Texas On!" at the 44th annual edition of the 2015 Texas Folklife Festival, June 13 and 14, on the museum grounds.
"Texans wear their identity like a badge on the sleeve," said festival director Jo Ann Andera. "We have a lot to be proud of. For centuries, Texans have come from all over the world and we’ve brought the best of our culture and traditions with us. Folklife helps us remember, celebrate and reaffirm everything we love about our state – a one-of-a-kind identity that can’t be found anywhere else."
The Texas Folklife Festival gathers volunteers, heritage organizations, bands, dance groups and skilled artisans from across the state to showcase their talents, entertain festival goers and inspire them to continue the traditions that have shaped the Lone Star State.
"We’ve seen three generations of a family working a festival booth," said Andera. "We’ve seen sons and daughters take up the reigns after mom and dad passed away. We’ve had volunteers come back year after year, whether they’ve been in town or overseas – that’s how important Folklife is to them."
More than 250 organizations take part in the festival, representing some 40 cultures. Among this year’s participants, the Zorya Ukrainian Dance Ensemble performs its acrobatic Cossack-style dances again this year. New performers include Bulgarian and Panamanian folk dance organizations, among others.
Food selections include all the favorites: Greek, Lebanese, Wendish, Filipino, Belgian, Argentine and more.
"Whether you’re coming for something you don’t get to eat regularly or you’re trying something new, Folklife is a great place to discover world cuisine," said Andera. "In fact, Folklife is the perfect place for children to experience unique foods and other cultures."
The Texas Folklife Festival is also known for gathering artisans from across the state, and preserving the crafting traditions that helped shape the Texas Frontier: Blacksmithing, pottery, basketry, leatherwork, jelly making, rope making, and woodcarving are just a small sampling of the large variety of skills on display.
"Our artisans invite you to take a seat and strike up a conversation," said Andera. "They’ll teach you how to weave a basket or throw a pot. You’ll be able to work side-by-side with them, wielding old ranch tools, splitting wood and sawing logs.
A variety of vendors also come to the festival to showcase and sell unique items. Clothing, home decor, foods and spices, fine art and folk-art, useful or decorative, Folklife vendors have wonderful selections to choose from.
"This is what Texas is all about," said Andera. "We’re a state of talented, skilled and diverse people. When we call ourselves Texans, we encompass everything that visitors will see and experience at Folklife. That’s why we’re inviting everyone to join us and ‘Get Your Texas On!’"
The Texas Folklife Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 13; and noon to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 14 at the UTSA HemisFair Park Campus, 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd.
Adult (age 13+) admission is $10 in advance, or $12 at the gate; child (ages 6-12) admission is $5 advance or $5 at the gate; children 5 and under are free. A group rate (10+ adults) of $8 is available online, in advance only.
Tickets can be purchased at H-E-B stores, Ft. Sam Houston, Randolph AFB, Lackland AFB and the ITC museum store or online at TexanCultures.com. Park & Ride service is available from the Crossroads location at NW Loop 410 & IH 10-W, east of the Crossroads Mall. Download a VIA Park and Ride Service brochure.
For more information, call 210-458-2300 or visit TexasFolklifeFestival.org.
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