As the holidays approach, we’re reflecting on the traditions and events beloved by Texans. For several years, Galveston’s Christmas festival Dickens on the Strand has been a big hit during the holiday season, drawing crowds of more than 35,000, according to Galveston Historical Foundation. “This annual holiday tradition is an important community event that gives us the opportunity to welcome the holiday season each year,” Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director Dwayne Jones said. Dickens on the Strand is a 19th-century Victorian-themed festival that brings visitors back to the Charles Dickens era. Dickens on The Squares is set to take place Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 5 - 6.

From that point on, the region was considered Mexican Texas, until Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836. For less than 10 years, Texas would be considered the Republic of Texas, before joining the United States in 1845. The origin of ‘Tex-Mex’The term ‘Tex-Mex’ roots from an insult. According to Culture Trip, an author of a Mexican cookbook used the term to categorize Texas’ Mexican food. However, the categorization gave the cuisine legitimacy in the United States, and Tex-Mex has since gained a new level of respect.