Those of us who are from Houston or consider ourselves part of Houston know what the word rodeo means. Each year, as these days approach, the excitement begins to take over us because we are about to experience one of the most fun times of the year in the city. The Houston Rodeo, considered the largest in the world, has its effect on each of us.
Every year we visit the facilities of the NRG complex where this great event takes place that unites us with the world. Perhaps the strength of many isn’t the rodeo, the boots and the hat, but there is a lot to do and above all to learn. There are the concerts that bring big artists each year and generate a lot of anticipation; this year the representatives are J Balvin and Pepe Aguilar. The participation of the latter has generated countless opposing opinions.
Aguilar performs as part of Go Tejano Day, and obviously the die-hard Texans have criticized his participation. Although, in my personal opinion, one must evolve with the music and what sells.
In recent years, genres such as duranguense, banda, and norteño have taken over this stage. Let’s hope that on March 15, Pepe Aguilar does his thing with the mariachi and the tradition he represents.
There is a lot to talk about the Houston Rodeo, because it makes us happy and proud to those of us in this city. A large majority of residents has visited the Rodeo, whether for the concerts, the livestock show, or the carnival. We have enjoyed the delicious flavors of the food sold there, such as brisket, turkey legs, which in my opinion are already very expensive, fried cookies, the nachos with a box, and much more.
The livestock show and the opportunities it brings for those who work in this business. Many students have also benefited from the Rodeo, those who have received scholarships of thousands of dollars, those who compete in the arts area and precisely those who bring their animals to the display competition.
Millions have been awarded to education, making a difference in the future of thousands of people in their professional lives.
We can see newborn piglets, chicks that may hatch before our eyes and that make this a learning-filled experience for those of us who have lived in the city far from rural life where these experiences are more common.
People can also go shopping inside the event facilities, where an infinity of western-themed items can be found. If you don’t have boots and a hat, you can get them there.
The carnival is a whole adventure of mechanical rides where fun and adrenaline come together while screams of fear and excitement are heard from afar by those who dare to challenge height and speed.
I only have one warning: when going to the rodeo, don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes if you think you can’t handle long walks in tall cowboy boots or standing for long periods. You have to plan the parking and be prepared to walk and walk, but it will be worth it.
The Houston Rodeo, with its history of more than ninety years, has managed to establish itself as an event that identifies the Space City. And at least once we should give ourselves the opportunity to visit it.
