From Asians to the Scandinavians to the Wendish, the Texas Folklife Festival provides an opportunity for more than 40 cultures from across the state to showcase their traditional foods, music, dance and crafts. And today, 38 years later, the festival's mission remains the same and continues with the vibrant energy that got it all started.

Proceeds of the sales of the authentic foods and beverages are taken back to the ethnic communities to continue preserving the cultural groups’ rich traditions, while admission sales offset the Institute’s expenses in organizing the three-day event.

The revenues generated through food and beverage sales are dispersed to the cultural groups, based on their sales. The groups use these funds to educate others about their culture through festivals and outreach programs, provide scholarships for young people and various other ways that support their organizational mission.

For many of the participating groups, the Texas Folklife Festival is the only fundraising opportunity throughout the year and allows them to continue passing on their cultural tradition—be it a particular style of music, folk dance, cooking or craft—to the next generations.

Home Page • Site Map • Institute of Texan Cultures home