The robust roster of multicultural celebrations, festivals and events in Texas reflect the state’s brilliant confluence of cultures. Exciting multicultural happenings are planned across the state in 2022 to celebrate its diversity and honor Texans’ varying histories and traditions. 

Here are just a few events showcasing the uniqueness and beauty of people in Texas across the regions.

Charro Days Fiesta, Brownsville, Feb 19-27

Paying homage to charros, or Mexican cowboys, Brownsville’s 75-year-old Charro Days festival is set to take place Feb. 19-27. Kicking off with a traditional mariachi dance, the fiesta will continue with parades, delicious food, a carnival, fireworks and more dancing.

Fiesta San Antonio, Mar 31-Apr 10 

Over the past century, Fiesta® San Antonio (March 31-April 10) has evolved into an 11-day celebration of San Antonio’s rich history and cultures. What started as a single Battle of Flowers Parade in 1891, led by all women to commemorate the Alamo and Battle of San Jacinto, is now one of the nation’s premier festivals. Fiesta Flambeau, the country’s largest illuminated parade, the quirky King William Fair and A Night in Old San Antonio, hosted by the San Antonio Conservation Society, are event standouts.

Austin Reggae Festival, Apr 22-24

The Austin Reggae Festival returns to Auditorium Shores at Lady Bird Lake Metropolitan Park in downtown Austin, April 22-24. The festival started in the late ‘90s to celebrate roots reggae, world and other genres, while raising funds for the Central Texas Food Bank. The festival is made up of three days of reggae, world and dub talent with more than 50 vendors offering an array of mouthwatering cuisine and unique arts and crafts.

36th Annual Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Decatur, May 6-8

Dust off the clan tartan for the 36th annual Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games, May 6-8. Immerse yourself in Scottish culture with a Scotch ale brewing competition, whisky tastings, Gaelic language seminars and music from some of the top bagpipe players in the world.

Galveston’s Juneteenth Commemorations, Jun 19

As the birthplace of Juneteenth, Galveston is a significant location in United States and African American history, exhibiting commemorative events, tours and sites every June and year round. This year in Galveston, June 19 kicks off with the Galveston Juneteenth Parade, stretching throughout downtown and just down the road from Juneteenth Legacy Project’s “Absolute Equality” mural. The parade will have decked out floats, marching bands, performers and other entertainment. Reedy Chapel will host an Annual Historic Juneteenth March that reenacts the first celebration of emancipation that took place in Galveston on Jan. 1, 1866. When the sun goes down, the celebration will head to the Seawall for the Galveston Island Juneteenth Festival, packed with waterfront musical performances, food and fireworks. 

Brazos Valley WorldFest, October

Each year, the Brazos Valley WorldFest (October, 2022) attracts up to 15,000 attendees through its celebration of international diversity and heritage. Coordinated by Texas A&M University and the Brazos Valley Worldfest Board, the festival encourages international awareness by offering cultural displays, demonstrations, performances, international cuisine and art-making activities from local and regional organizations. From the university’s Arabic Club and Nepalese Student Association to the Brazos Valley Children’s Museum and Arts Council of the Brazos Valley, the enormous event displays representation from all walks of life, multicultural backgrounds and ideologies.

Houston’s 32nd Annual Native American Championship Pow Wow, November

A pow wow is a celebration of American Indian culture during which people from different indigenous nations meet to honor their communities. In the 32nd iteration of Houston’s annual Native American Championship Pow Wow (November, 2022), several hundred Native Americans representing scores of tribes across the United States will gather for two days of tribal dance contests, an art show, historic ceremonies and singing. This pow wow is known for the impeccable showmanship by competitors, ranging in age from two-year-olds to elders.

Wurstfest, November

Located near the headwaters of the Comal River in New Braunfels, Wurstfest (November, 2022) is a unique 10-day salute to sausage and the region’s German heritage. This year marks the 61st annual Wurstfest and will offer Alpine and Bavarian style entertainment, food, dancing, carnival rides and games in the festival’s Marketplatz and Wursthalle facilities, all at the city’s riverside Landa Park. The festival will also offer plenty of German, Texan and domestic beer for visitors’ sipping enjoyment.

These are just a handful of the enriching multicultural happenings across the state that reflect the diverse population of Texas.

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Cover photo courtesy Charro Days Fiesta, Brownsville