e-culture: El Dia de los Muertos, Texas Germans, Houston Timeline
October 27, 2003

IN THIS ISSUE The Day of the Dead The Texas Germans Houston Timeline World Music Show Educational Adventures

The Day of the Dead

El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is an important day of remembrance in Mexico, and to people who enjoy Mexican culture all over the world. Activities to honor loved ones take place on November 1, Dia de los Angelitos, and November 2, Dia de los Muertos.

Learn about this exciting and unique celebration by exploring the resources in our Traditions of Mexico section.

El Dia de los Muertos
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico

Observances in Houston
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/houston.html

Photos of Traditional Altars
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/mas.html

Artist Jose Guadalupe Posada
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/posada.html

Recipe for Pan de Muertos
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/pan.html

We are working with artists and educators to provide more features during the week, so please stay tuned to these links to learn more. There is a PowerPoint presentation available to educators. Contact me by email for more information on presenting it in an educational environment.

We will have a few updates on activities in Houston and the surrounding region a little later in the week. Everyone is encouraged to participate.



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The Texas Germans

The Adelsverain brought tens of thousands of German immigrants to ports on the Texas coast. Though they faced many hardships they had not counted on, and hundreds or even thousands died, the German immigrants persevered and were followed by masses of Czech, Italian and Polish settlers. They are all prominent in Texas culture for the attitude and spirit they brought, but few are well known in Texas history. Many settled in and around Houston. German emigration began before Texas was an independent nation and continued through the Civil War. Most of the counties settled by the Germans and Czechs did not vote to secede from the Union as the nation was divided by the issue of slavery. The Eastern Europeans developed a unique relationship with African Americans, Mexican Americans and Native Americans. Even the cultural icons of the Eastern Europeans, such as the button accordion, spread to these cultures in the form of Zydeco, Tejano, and Chicken Scratch music found all along the southern reaches of Texas and its neighboring states. October and November are important months in the German Americans' celebration of their heritage.

Learn more about how the Germans came to Texas.

"Hin' nach Texas!" "Off to Texas!" By Sheena Oommen
http://www.houstonculture.org/cr/germans.html

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Houston Timeline

Compiled by Ashley Streetman, this timeline, including landmark dates in Civil Rights, immigration, real estate development, population growth, etc., is a very helpful and interesting educational resource:

http://www.houstonculture.org/resources/houstontime.html

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World Music Show

Don't forget to listen to the World Music Show, Monday nights form 7-9pm, on KTRU 91.7, followed by the Americana Show. Tonight, to lift our spirits on this gray day, we will explore tropical sounds of the Caribbean and Latin America, and next week, a celebration of the Gypsies of Eastern Europe.

http://www.houstonculture.org/world

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Educational Adventures

We have a full slate of educational adventures lined up for 2003-2004. Get on board for one of these great experiences.

http://www.houstonculture.org/travel



Thank you for supporting Houston Institute for Culture.

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M  a  r  k @houstonculture.org


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