Woven among the crowds of people, mixed within the sights and sounds, and infusing the air with an aroma of undeniably delicious food are just a few ways the Hispanic and Latino influence Houston. This one-of-a-kind culture touches nearly every facet of the way we know life here, including the Rodeo.
According to the United States Census Bureau, more than one million people in Houston are Hispanic or Latino. There’s no denying the footprint that they have; That same representation lives on at the Rodeo through the history and year-round efforts of the Go Tejano committee.
The committee joined the rankings in 1986. Originally a subcommittee named after the Spanish word for a rope used to lasso cattle, “Reata,” the Go Tejano committee started with only 15 volunteers. Four years later, the committee would change its name and be recognized as a full committee, evolving into the 316 members it is today.
Mariachis performing in the Astrodome at RODEOHOUSTON in the 1990s.
While ‘Go Tejano’ day, the Spanish translation for “Go Texan” Day, and the committee are commonly associated with Tejano music, a popular Tex-Mex genre of music that fuses Mexican influence, the committee isn’t rooted on the music alone. While entertainment is part of the culture, it is other missions, such as educational funding, that are at the committee’s core.
Their committee members come from all walks of life, and for some, the culture brought them to join the Go Tejano family.
“I always thought, “Oh, Tejano music and Rodeo kind of go hand in hand.” said Vicky Hernandez, Go Tejano Committee Division Chairman. “That was kind of the reason that kind of got me in.”
Hernandez, a 15-year committee member, said the influence of culture that the Go Tejano committee has made on the Rodeo is an aspect that not only makes her proud to be on the committee, but to be Hispanic too.
“I believe it’s so important because of everything that is shown on the ground, everything is representative of our culture,” Hernandez said.
Hernandez pictured at RODEOHOUSTON.
Representation is among one of the committee’s missions and the membership’s life stories run far and wide – from first generation citizens to multi-generation volunteers.
“We do have a lot of first-generation committee members, and it’s so interesting to see it from their perspective,” Hernandez said. “To see their voice and their opinion come in, it’s really important because it brings a whole new wave, a whole new vision of different things that we could be doing and in different ways.”
The evolution of the committee brought the Go Tejano Diner to the Rodeo. Opening in 1987, the diner is fully operated by committee members, serving authentic and mouth-watering Latino inspired dishes. Open all 20 days of Rodeo, every penny goes to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Educational Fund.
The Go Tejano committee education commitment prioritizes the Hispanic and Latino students as well, doing its part to raise money for scholarships that are provided by the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
“I’ve been a beneficiary from the efforts that the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides. It is a big reason I got involved” said eight-year committee member, Adrian Izaguirre. “It helped me tremendously in my education. I wouldn’t be here without that scholarship.”
Izaguirre pictured at The Hideout on Go Tejano Day
Raising more than $9.3 million dollars since its inception, the committee hosts at least four fundraising events every year, including a fashion show, scholarship gala, mariachi invitational, gold tournament and tamale fundraisers. According to the Rodeo’s scholarship program, the Go Tejano committee has been the donor for 627 Rodeo Scholars. Of the Rodeo’s 2023 scholars, 30 percent were Hispanic or Latino.
“Every time I hear these numbers, I’m always taken aback, because I don’t think that’ll ever get old,” Izaguirre said. “I’ve had a similar experience explaining to people what it really means to be part of the Rodeo and the efforts that we put forth, and the impact that it has.”
Pictures from the Rodeo’s 2024 annual scholarship picnic.
“It’s amazing to talk to the parents and the students that are receiving these scholarships, because sometimes it’s first-generation people that are graduating high school, going to college, and you have helped in a tiny way by raising money to be able to give deserving people this opportunity,” Hernandez said.
The passion of the Go Tejano committee to help support Hispanic and Latino students pursue their dreams is unwavering. But back at home, during Rodeo season, the turnout by Houston’s Hispanic and Latino community makes an impressive impact every year.
It’s a day when the mariachi’s play loud, the folklorico shines brightly and the music brings everyone together. Annually, Go Tejano Day, presented by Fiesta Mart, is one of the most highly attended days of the Rodeo. Some of the ‘greats’ of Tejano, Mexican and Latino music have captured sold-out crowds on the Star Stage, such as Selena Quintanilla, Ramon Ayala, Jay Perez and, most recently, Los Tigres Del Norte.
In 2023, Los Tigres Del Norte broke the second highest paid concert attendance record in Rodeo history at 75,595 people.
“You’re getting to see bits and pieces of our culture,” Hernandez said. “It is just genuine.”
Pictures from the 2024 Rodeo’s Go Tejano Day, featuring Fiesta Charra, the annual Mariachi
Invitational and folklorico dancers.
For nearly 93 years, the Rodeo has highlighted several cultures and now, more than ever, it is the impact of the Hispanic and Latino culture shining through. For volunteers, there’s only growth from here – with hopes that the spotlight only grows larger.
“I feel like the sky is the limit for us,” Hernandez said. “There are so many different things we can grow into and bring. The next generation is really going to help do that for our committee.”
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo season is Tuesday, March 4 – Sunday, March 23, 2025. Go Tejano Day will be featured on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
For more information, visit rodeohouston.com.