Institute of Texan Cultures' Texans Series
The first Greeks to arrive in Texas were adventurers! Captain Nicholas was a young Greek pirate who sailed as a part of Jean LaFitte’s buccaneer fleet and settled on Galveston Island in 1842. Galveston became one of Texas’s leading seaports in the 19th century and attracted Greek settlers who worked as fishermen, sailors and merchants.
Later, some Greeks came to Texas to escape religious persecution and warfare. In 1923, the Lausanne Treaty ended fighting between Greece and Turkey that had been going on since 1919. The treaty forced people of Greek and Turkish descent to resettle to new areas based on their religious beliefs. 1.3 million Christian Greeks were expelled from Turkey, while 500,000 Muslims were forced out of Greece. Some of the Greeks that lost their homes and property moved to Texas.
Today, Greek communities can be found across Texas! Major cities, such as San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, have large Greek populations, as well as Galveston, Waco, Austin, Wichita Falls, El Paso, Port Arthur, and San Angelo.
Handbook of Texas
- Annunciation Greek Orthodox CathedralThe parish of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Houston serves as a Greek cultural institution in Texas.
Selected Books
- Greeks in Houston byCall Number: F394 .H89 H89 (ITC Library)
Organizations
- Hellenic Cultural Society of DallasThe Hellenic Cultural Society of Dallas is a cultural, social, and educational organization that has as its purpose to promote the Greek culture in the United States of America.
- Hellenic Professional Society of TexasThe Hellenic Professional Society of Texas (HPST) is a non-profit organization. It was founded by people who wished to preserve and promote the rich culture and heritage of Greece in their new "home".
- Hellenic Cultural Center of the SouthwestThe Hellenic Cultural Center of the Southwest (HCC-SW) promotes an understanding of the rich history and legacy that Hellenes have given to civilization and presents the saga of triumphs and sacrifices that were made during this long historic journey. Focusing on Hellenic contributions to language, government, arts, architecture, athletics, science, medicine, and philosophy, HCC-SW programs strive to benefit groups and individuals through education in civic affairs, health and citizenship.
Festivals
- Clear Lake Greek FestivalThis festival in Seabrook celebrate Greek culture with Greek dancing, healthy Mediterranean style foods, tasty desserts and vast selections of Greek wines. Kids' activities are included.
- Fort Worth Greek FestivalHeld at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Fort Worth, this celebrations highlights Greek food, music and arts.
- Greek Food Festival of DallasHoly Trinity Greek Orthodox Church puts on this festivals to showcase the importance of being Greek. Foods, crafts, and dancing are the highlights of this festival.
- Houston Greek Festouston Greek Fest has built a solid reputation as the premier festival event in the West Houston area sharing Hellenic culture with over 15,000 attendees. Guests of all ages are treated to our family friendly environment, featuring the finest in Greek foods, pastries, church tours, shopping, dancing and children’s activities.