40th Annual Houston International Festival transforms
Downtown Houston into a unique Caribbean experience
WHAT:
The 2010 Houston International Festival spotlighting the sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean
WHEN:
April 17 – 18 & April 24 & 25, 2010
Saturdays – Noon – 10 p.m.
Sundays – Noon – 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Downtown Houston – Including City Hall, Upper and Lower Tranquility Park, Bagby Street and Upper and Lower Sam Houston Parks
INTERNATIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
The unique flavors, sights and sounds of the beautiful Caribbean will come to life through diverse and celebrated music and dance groups from around the world, as well as international food and markets in multiple cultural zones.
CARIBBEAN ZONE:
The centerpiece of the 2010 festival will celebrate the rich history and cultural influences of the Caribbean, spanning from City Hall to Upper Sam Houston Park. A 40-foot-long reproduction of a historic pirate ship will be the showcase of the Caribbean Living Museum. Visitors will experience pirate demonstrations as well as learn about the history of famous pirates of the Caribbean.
Other highlights include:
• Colonial Fort: An interactive, historic fort exhibit inspired by the fortifications built in the 16th century to protect settlements.
• Chapel: A picturesque chapel reminiscent of Alto Vista, the first Roman Catholic church constructed in Aruba by Spanish missionaries. Exhibits accompanying the chapel will feature religions of the Caribbean and reproductions of Cuban Orisha art from the Center for Cuban Studies in New York.
• Bohio: This circular dwelling is reminiscent of the buildings constructed of wooden poles, straw, and palm leaves inhabited by indigenous people of the Caribbean.
• In addition, visitors can sample the unique flora and fauna of the Caribbean in the Caribbean Spice Center. A Caribbean Culture and Literature area will feature members of local Caribbean communities representing a range of cultural and educational information.
INTERNATIONAL MARKETS:
An outdoor international art gallery and shopping experience offering numerous arts markets and international craft demonstrations featuring works from more than 500 artists from all over the world. Markets include: Caribbean, Gypsy, International, African-Caribbean, Bayou, Latin and Fine Arts Avenue.
INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR:
In addition to authentic Caribbean cuisine, the festival offers flavors from all over the world including: Cajun, Creole, Mediterranean, Thai, Japanese, Southwestern and Continental cuisines.
EDUCATION
The Houston International Festivals 23rd consecutive Education Program, presented in partnership with HISD, features a Teacher’s Curriculum Guide, underwritten by Chevron and produced by the Houston International Festival. The guide is distributed to more then 1,400 school campuses in seven counties across Texas including: HISD, Harris County, Galveston and Fort Bend Counties.
The guide is available to a potential 900,000 students who will learn about the culture and history of the Caribbean through the Houston International Festival Curriculum Guide.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Opening Ceremony
Friday, April 17 at 11 a.m. – Center Stage at City Hall
The Mayor’s Gala
Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m. - Omni Houston Hotel
A fundraising gala dinner hosted by Mayor Annise Parker of the City of Houston. Visiting dignitaries and members of Houston’s Consular Corps are honored by guests of the Mayor’s Gala. Proceeds benefit the Festival’s year-round arts, education and outreach programs.
TICKETS:
Tickets go on sale March 1 and are available at www.ifest.org or at Houston area H-E-B locations
Advance Discount: $12
Regular: $17
Target Kids Free Sundays All kids 12 and under are FREE on Sundays courtesy of Target.
Youth 12 & under Saturdays: $3 (children age two and under are free)
Group and other special discounts available.
TRANSPORTATION:
Call METROLine at 713-635-4000 for information on routes, schedules and all METRO services.
MORE INFO:
713.654.8808 or visit www.ifest.org
Rating: 5.00 / 5.00
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1 ratings
For additional information on this articles article, please contact:
Tracy Golden
(713) 722-9433
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