For those who enjoy festivity with enlightening exhibits, entertaining presenters, authentic food and hearty spirits, the Houston International Festival had it all at its Chevron Ireland Living Museum Saturday afternoon.
Walk under the giant entrance arch into the Ireland zone and you are welcomed by the dazzling array of exhibits that tell the story of the Irish culture while you enjoy the soothing sensations of the harp.
The first exhibit, Ancient Ireland, was a reproduction of an Irish crannog, an ancient settlement that was usually built on an island for fortification during prehistoric or medieval times.
The crannog was built from wattle and daub, using a method in which pieces of wood or flexible branches, called wattle, are daubed with a sticky material usually mud, clay, animal dung and straw.
Inside the wooden fences of the crannog were displays about ancient Irish history. Inside the crannog itself were tree stumps to sit on, with the center set aside to make a fire.
Next to the crannog, visitors experienced traditional blacksmithing techniques at the Phenix Knives Blacksmith Shop exhibit.
Phenix Knives is a family owned business and the owner of the shop, dressed in a traditional Irish kilt, churned a furnace filled with coal and fire as hot as 3,000 degrees to melt the iron rods and hammer them in shape for a fork tool for barbeque.
The next stop was a reproduction of the legendary Blarney Castle.
With sky-high walls and a display of aluminum knights welcoming visitors, the Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold still existing in Blarney, Ireland.
While the original is in partial ruins, the castle replica featured a photography exhibit of Ireland and the richness of Irish lands.
At the top of the castle replica, visitors were led to the reproduction of the Blarney Stone, which as legend has it, bestows the gift of eloquence on those who kiss the stone.
Houstonians never hesitate to enjoy culture to the fullest, and likewise, visitors lay flat on their backs and lifted themselves to kiss the replica stone that was beneath the edge of the castle wall, just like the real Blarney Stone.
And for those people who are terrified of germs, they didn’t have to worry because a volunteer would wipe the replica stone with Lysol wipes after each kiss.
Next to the replica Blarney Castle, traditional Irish music was played on the H-E-B Cultural Stage
From harps, bagpipes and tales of the Irish people, the H-E-B Cultural Stage honored and represented the long connection of the Irish and the Americans.
Visitors also had t he opportunity to taste traditional Irish food. From bangers to corn beef and stew, International Dogs and More catered to thousands of hungry appetites.
The Houston International Festival is a must-attend event. The annual spotlighting of various regions and countries around the world allows for diverse entertainment and education and keeps Houstonians coming back each year.
