Political stalwarts in Texas have earned an unfair stereotype for the rest of the residents. Though many of the state's citizens are assumed to be unwelcoming at best, xenophobic at worst, the truth of the matter is that the people are as friendly and warm as anywhere else in the world. For example, Houston has an entire festival dedicated to its international community and every year the festival goes on without problems.

Nicole Savory, of the Raices de Panama dance group, wears a folkloric dress called a pollera as she performs during the 43rd Annual Houston International Festival, Sunday, April 21, 2013, in Houston. The festival ail continue through April 27-28th, 11 a.m. to eight p.m. The festival features seven stages, a Brazilian living museum and six multicultural markets.

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