How did the Texas Folklife Festival (TFF) originate?
In 1968, representatives from the Institute of Texan Cultures (then called the Texas Pavilion at HemisFair) were invited to co-sponsor the American Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C., with the Smithsonian Institute. The success of the national festival spurred interest in staging an all-Texas event in San Antonio, and O.T. Baker, who headed the Texas delegation at the American Folklife Festival, was named manager of the TFF.
When was the first TFF held?
The first TFF was held September 7-10, 1972, and was enthusiastically received by citizens throughout the state and the media. Now celebrating its 33rd year, the Texas Folklife Festival continues to inspire visitors to learn about other cultures through food, music, dance and art.
What is the purpose of the TFF?
The TFF was established to serve as a form of educational outreach to the state’s citizens, whereby people are encouraged to learn about the Lone Star state’s rich ethnic history, appreciate the diversity and preserve the authenticity of our cultural traditions.
How has the TFF changed throughout the last three decades?
Since 1972, the TFF has grown in both size and quality with each year of operation. The first year, the TFF was funded by grants and donations, and since then, it has been a self-sustaining entity whose proceeds are used to fund other important programs at the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC). Originally, more than 2,000 representatives from across the state participated, and that number has now grown to approximately 10,000 participants who bring their authentic cuisine, crafts, music, dance and stories to visitors.
Who comes to the TFF?
Everyone. Families enjoy the fact that children under 6 are always admitted free of charge, and other people recognize that the $8 advance ticket price and $10 admission at the gate is the best entertainment offer in the state. Once inside the grounds, visitors relish choosing from more than 150 ethnic dishes, listening to music of all genres, watching authentic dance performances, browsing and buying arts and crafts from some of the state’s most talented artisans, riding the carnival rides and learning about the state’s ethnic diversity.
Why is the TFF held at the ITC?
Since inception, the TFF was designed as an extension of ITC’s programs and exhibits. Additionally, the spacious grounds located downtown are ideally suited to accommodate the visitors during the four-day celebration.
How many nationalities are represented at the TFF?
Representatives from more than 40 ethnic and cultural groups who originally settled in and built the great state of Texas participate in the TFF each year.
How many groups of participants are there?
More than 260 groups and individuals representing 65 different counties in Texas participate. Of these, there are 40 groups who prepare and serve their authentic dishes, 100 groups who demonstrate traditional crafts and pioneering skills and 120 groups who provide wholesome, family entertainment.
How much does the food cost?
At various locations throughout the grounds, food and beverage coupons (50¢ each) may be purchased. Prices range from 50¢ to $8.
Where do the dance groups learn the various ethnic dances?
While some groups perform dances and sing songs that were brought to the New World by immigrants and then handed down from generation to generation, other groups were organized for the sole purpose of performing and preserving the dances.
How long does it take to organize the TFF?
TFF Director, Jo Ann Andera, and her staff work year round to plan for and coordinate the four-day celebration.