Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the United States, is abuzz with World Cup fever. The city’s fan festival in East Downtown has become a melting pot of cultures, with supporters from different countries gathering to watch their teams play.

A City United

For 27-year-old Frank Haces, the fan festival has been an incredible experience, allowing him to connect with people from various backgrounds and celebrate the sport. Haces, who watched a recent match with his family from Mexico, said, ‘It’s been a fantastic experience to see all cultures kind of mesh and have a great time together and celebrate the sport and celebrate humanity as a whole.’

The sheer number of green jerseys at restaurants, bars, supermarkets, and other locations when ‘El Tri’ plays highlights the significant Mexican representation in Houston, where people with Mexican heritage make up about a third of the population.

Celebrating Diversity

The Houston fan festival has also jumped into the action, offering entertainment ranging from Tejano to Bollywood performers. According to festival director Patti Smith, local fans from a wide range of nations converge to watch their teams on the big screen. For a recent Egypt match, organizers provided a prayer room and foot-washing area for local Muslim supporters who came to watch on the giant screen.

Houston’s job market, fueled by the energy business and medical sector, along with its affordability and proximity to Latin America, explains the large Latino population and why others from across the globe have settled in the city. The city’s diversity is on full display during the World Cup, with supporters from different countries coming together to celebrate their teams.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.