Cowboy hats tipped forward and boots stomped across pavement as students rode mechanical bulls, visited a petting zoo and danced to country music during Go Texan Day on Feb. 27.
Nearly a hundred students lined up in the courtyard during Cardinal Hour to celebrate Go Texan Day, an annual unofficial kickoff to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest livestock exhibitions and rodeos in the country. The Houston Rodeo, established in 1932, features professional rodeo competitions, livestock shows, concerts and other attractions.
Senior Arisleydi Cortez first went to the Houston Rodeo when she was ten and has been celebrating Go Texan Day her whole life.
“I feel kind of nostalgic that this is my last year being able to participate in the day at school,” Cortez said. “Outside of school, you have to pay almost $100 just to enter for yourself. Here, I get to see animals, ride the mechanical bull and eat food all for free.”
Cortez has participated in Go Texan Day activities throughout her entire high school career. She said that last year, the event was crowded, particularly in the petting zoo, with approximately 10 to 15 students there at a time.
“A lot of kids don’t grow up around farm animals,” Cortez said. “Most kids probably see animals in zoos or from schools and usually see the animals through a screen. That’s why it’s probably so busy in the petting zoo.”
The courtyard featured a petting zoo with animals including llamas, a mechanical bull and food from HISD Food Services while music played and students danced. Mechanical bulls are commonly found at rodeos, fairs, and western events.
Junior Wilber Sanchez said he views the day as an opportunity for everyone to dress up like a cowboy and do western-themed related activities.
“When I think of a Texan, like a cowboy, I think boots and some jeans with a button-up,” Sanchez said. “So that’s what I wore for Go Texan Day.”
The food is the best part of Go Texan day because of how “good” it is, according to Sanchez. The foods served at events like these include classic Texas barbecues, Tex-Mex and fried foods.
“I went to see the donkey at the petting zoo because they’re my favorite animal,” Sanchez said. “But my favorite part of the rodeo is also the food too.”
Senior Kira Anguilu started celebrating the day when she was in elementary school and has “loved” being part of the festivities ever since.
“I was wearing some bell bottoms with my pink tubetop, cowgirl boots and a pink cowgirl hat,” Anguilu said. “I decided to wear it because it’s my last Go Texan Day at school and I wanted to go out with a bang. I had to show my Texan pride.”
For Anguilu, Go Texans Day means having fun with friends and family, and dancing to show pride of being a Texan.
“During the day at school, I was in the center participating in the line dances,” Anguilu said. “Obviously I had to take up the dance floor and that was super fun. Also, watching everyone run to the center screaming to the next song was pure gold.”
From line dancing to the petting zoo, the courtyard hosted several activities for Go Texan Day as a tribute to Texan heritage. Students gathered throughout the space to participate in the activities and take part in the event.
