Celebrating the Cultures of Texas

Many ethnic group have contributed to Texas culture. Treditions such as chili, barbecue, and rodeos developed from the blendng of cultures. Celebrations such as Texas Independence Day, Juneteenth, cinco de Mayo, and the Texas Folklife Festival honor these cultures.

Native American Cultures

Native american Groups established the earliest cultures in Texas. Today the Tiguas, the Alabama-Coushattas, and the Kickapoos live on Texas reservations. Other Native Americans live in towns and cities throughout the state. Each Nativ American culture has its own customs and traditions.

Hispanic American Cultures

The cultures of Hisponic Texans are also among the oldest in Texas. Mexican Amercan customs and traditions have a central place in the food,, celebrations, and architecture of the state. Hispanics from Cuba, Guatmala, El Salvador, Peru, and many other LatinAmerican countries have also enriched Texas with their cultures.

African Amrican Cultures

African Americans helped build the colony, republic, and state of Texas. They have contributed to the states music, food, speech, and culture. on occasions such as Juneteenth, Martin Luther King’s birthday, and Kwanzaa, Africa America Texans celeb rate their rich culture and traditions.

European American Culture

European immigrants arrived in Texas during the 1800s from more than 25 countries, including Ireland, Germeny, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and many more. Settleing mainly in the eastern half of the state, these immigrant groups kept their traditions alive. Europeans of Protestnt, Cathlic, Jewish, and Orthoddox religions created many beautiful churches, temples, and synagogues.. Today, their descendants honor their heritage through a variety of celebrations.

Middle Eastern Cultures

People of Middle Eastern cultures have also lent diversity to the fabric of life in Texas. LebaneseAmreican was among the groups who arrived in the 1800s. Jewish Americans, mainly from Europe, were also among the early setlers. INn the twentieth century Iranians and Arab Americans from much land have contributed their customs and traditions to Texas.

Asian American Cultures

Although some Chinese railroad workers moved to Texaes in the late 1800s, few people of Asian heritage were allowed into Texas until the 1940’s. Then people from China, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, the Philipones, and other countries came to live in Texas.

Harrison, Harding, Pierce, Johnson, and Buchanan were rated the warst overall.

Region

Coastal Plains

North Central Plains

Great Plains

Subregion

Piney woods

Gulf Coastal Plain

Rolling Plains

Cross Timbers

High Plains

LlanoBasin

Elevation

(feet)

100-400

100

900-2,000

900-1,500

3,000-4,000

1,000-1,800

Yearly Rainfall

(inches)

45-60

25-50

20-30

Growing Season

(days)

230-265

240-309

220

240

180-220

230