 Houston, America's fourth largest city, is an important global center for commerce and international finance. The Port of Houston is a major global import/export center, and the city has embraced its role as an important component in growing international trade markets.
Organizers of Houston's noted International Festival say this global recognition is in part the very reason the event was founded, a celebration of the international community at large.
The 2006 International Festival spotlights Jamaica, and in addition to a number of internationally-themed sections of the downtown festival area, you can bet there will be plenty of Reggae music, Rasta exhibits and culture, and a good measure of all things Caribbean.
The highlight of the festival is the joy and experience of the sights, smells and sounds of Jamaica in the special Jamaica Zone. Enjoy dazzling performances, breathtaking art, informative demonstrations and exhibits, and a fiesta of tasty treats. Don't miss these special attractions at Jamaica Beach and in Kingston Town.
Houston City Hall Plaza transformed into a tropical paradise complete with tons of sand, a pirate ship, beach volleyball, limbo contests and more!
CENTER STAGE
Center Stage is home to the featured dance and cultural performers from Jamaica. Groups will perform five times daily against a beautiful set design featuring an ocean scene at sunset and replicas of tropical Jamaican houses.
BOB MARLEY MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION
A must see for any Bob Marley fan! Roger Steffens, founder of The Beat Magazine and the owner of the most comprehensive collection of reggae music and memorabilia in the world will present a multimedia presentation on the life of Bob Marley inside the City Hall Theatre. Thirty minutes shows at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 each day.
THE PATTY SHACK
Features delicious authentic Jamaican patties. The Jamaican patty, similar to an English meat-pie or a Spanish empanada, contains a tasty filling seasoned with island spices and baked within a flaky crust. In Jamaica, patties are the fast food of choice, outselling hamburgers and pizzas because they are tasty, filling and easy to prepare and eat.
Grab one to go as you experience Jamaica.
THE BEACH HUT RUM BAR
Check out this tropical themed rum bar built over the eastern side of the Reflection Pool at City Hall. Cool down with a refreshing drink while you enjoy the sounds of steel drums and local reggae musicians!
PORT ROYAL EXHIBIT & PIRATE SHIP
Come aboard this amazing twenty-foot reproduction of a pirate ship
docked in the sand at City Hall and learn all about Port Royal. This charming town was the major trading port and headquarters of Sir Henry Morgan and the ruthless buccaneers in the 17th century, who plundered unsuspecting ships and raided the newly established settlements of the Americas. Storing their ill-gotten treasures at Port Royal, the buccanneers celebrated their victories with raucous feasting and drinking.
PORT ROYAL EXHIBIT & PIRATE SHIP
Come aboard this amazing twenty-foot reproduction of a pirate ship
docked in the sand at City Hall and learn all about Port Royal. Costumed pirates, a pirate stilt walker and local performance artists will entertain the crowd with oversize pirate puppets throughout the day. A must see for kids and adults alike!
SAND and ART EXHIBIT
See a beautiful sand castle constructed from 25 tons of sand. Plenty of beach toys will be on hand for children to build their own sand castle.
JAMAICA TRAVEL EXPO
Visit one of the many Jamaican resort information booths and learn all about the exciting amenities they have to offer. Plus enjoy beach volleyball and limbo contests while you book your next trip to paradise!
NATIVES OF JAMAICA EXHIBIT
The Tainos were the original inhabitants of Jamaica. Come see a reproduction of an authentic Taino structure and visit exhibits on the indigenous people of Jamaica.
GYPSY MARKET
This market is the first choice, handmade craft market. It is reserved for premium arts and crafts work with the craftsman in attendance to represent his/her work. A favorite among Houston crowds.
SISTER CITIES WORLD'S FARE
Did you know that Houston has 16 sister cities? The Sister Cities organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and will be celebrating at the festival with the first ever Sister Cities World’s Fare. Stop by this attraction to learn about different cultures from around the world.
See cultural performances from around the globe and on the Sister Cities World's Fare Stage.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD COURT
Indulge in international fare from around the world. Whether you crave Mexican or Thailand cuisine, Indian or Jamaican, ice cream or candy, there is sure to be something for every appetite.
KINGSTON TOWN
Upper Sam Houston Park will be transformed into a typical neighborhood representative of Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica. Attractions in Kingston Town include:
CULTURAL STAGE
H-E-B chefs team up with media celebrity chefs to share their secrets during cooking demonstrations. Also, catch up on the latest Jamaican fashion trends at the Fashion Show or be entertained by cultural performances during the Dance of Jamaica. Non-stop entertainment throughout the day.
RASTAFARI EXHIBIT
Today, Rastafari is a highly visible force, internationally influential in music (Reggae), fashion (dreadlocks), food and language. Learn all about the Rastafarian movement, including information on Pocomania, Kumina and Zionism at this interesting exhibit.
ROOTS & REGGAE DANCE HALL
Dancehall is a type of Jamaican reggae which developed around 1979. The style is characterized by a DJ singing and rapping or toasting over raw and danceable reggae music (riddims). Dancehall refers to the music as well as the dances, dress, language and behavior of this subculture. A tented area onsite will be dedicated to DJ’s competitions with lots of dancing and outlandish fun!
INTERNATIONAL MARKET
A wonderful expression of imports and cultures from around the world.
ARTS AND CRAFTS OF JAMAICA
Each year the festival invites international artisans to represent their craft at the outdoor event by participating in daily demonstrations at the outdoor festival. Artisans from Jamaica will be on hand demonstrating different crafts including Wassi Pottery.
NATURE OF JAMAICA
Working in coordination with The Institute of Jamaica, the festival presents the biodiversity, agriculture and native hardwoods of the country. A large interactive relief map of Jamaica will also be part of the exhibit.
NATIONAL HEROES OF JAMAICA
Jamaica’s National Heroes dared to challenge the institution of colonialism and in so doing changed the course of Jamaica’s history giving social and political freedom to its people. Today, the statues of Jamaica’s seven National Heroes stand in proud acknowledgment, in the National Heroes Park in Kingston where they are viewed with inspiring pride, unforgettable symbols of Jamaica’s enduring strength. The festival exhibit will honor these 7 national heroes as well as include information on the Maroons, runaway slaves who eluded the English by surviving in remote mountains.
JAMAICAN MARKET
The honored market for 2006 with fine and high quality imports from Jamaica.
PING PONG??
Bob Marley loved to play ping pong at this 56 Hope Road residence. Opportunity for casual play as well as scheduled exhibition games with some of Houston's top table tennis players.
FERN GULLY EXHIBIT AND HERB GARDEN
The garden at the top of Fox Park in Upper Sam Houston Park is recreated to resemble Fern Gully, which is part of the road connecting Ocho Rios and Kingston that passes through Spanish Town in Jamaica. The gully, which has over 300 species of ferns, is recreated on a much smaller scale in Fox Park. An adjacent herb garden can be self-guided or listen to docents talk about how plants and herbs are used in Jamaica for medicinal purposes.
JAMAICAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
This exhibit in collaboration with the Jamaican Cultural Development Commission will feature a variety of photographs for purchase depicting the nature and people of Jamaica.
DISCOVER JAMAICA EXHIBIT
Everything you always wanted to know about this tropical island paradise. Information on Jamaica’s history, economy, government, cultural institutions, national symbols & expressions, religions and so much more!.
JAMAICAN FOOD COURT
Eight to ten vendors will round out this area offering authentic Jamaican cuisine.
JAMAICA BLUE MOUNTAIN COFFEE
Toward the eastern end of the beautiful island of Jamaica runs the majestic range of hills known as the Blue Mountains. At 5,500 feet the land is thickly wooded and maintained as Forest Reserve. Below this line, the terrain, the rainfall pattern, the Blue Mountain mist, and the overall conditions are perfectly suited for the cultivation of the world's most distinguished and delicious coffee – Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee.
For more information about the International Festival, visit the official 2006 Festival Site.
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