Anyone who decides to visit Dallas should be aware of the city’s traditions. Such information will not surprise those who have lived there their entire lives, as Dallas residents teach their children from an early age polite manners during celebrations. Most of the customs and traditions of the city are not formally recorded, but they are an inseparable part of their successful and happy lives. Learn more at i-dallas.
Self-realization is the most important wish during greetings
Dallas is one of the best cities for understanding the mentality of Americans. The locals are always friendly and sincere, accepting each other as they are. They never judge others for their external or internal flaws. So when they congratulate each other during holidays, they always wish for successful self-fulfillment. They believe that this is the most essential thing in everyone’s life. By self-realization, they mean all the qualities needed to be free from others’ opinions. This includes happiness in family life, success at work and the full acceptance of yourself.
Dallasites wish for self-realization even for older people. It is believed that a person can be searching for themselves at any age. Mature age is not perceived as something inevitable and frightening. Even at 80 years old, Dallas residents may choose to start their own business or enroll in university if they want to.
Holidays in the family circle
Life in a large city like Dallas requires its residents to be active and fast. Many Dallasites dedicate a lot of time to work and personal development, often forgetting about their loved ones. Fortunately, the city becomes quiet during the holiday season, allowing residents to take a breath and fully devote themselves to their families.
As for the youth, they still prefer to celebrate holidays with friends. However, older individuals are more happy to visit their parents and relatives. Traditionally, during such gatherings, the family spends at least one evening at the table. The townspeople gladly turn off their phones and spend time talking, playing board games or even reading books. This rule is especially appreciated by the elderly, who eagerly await when the family will unite together.
Wedding traditions
There are certain traditions that can only be observed during weddings in Dallas. The vast majority of them have come along with many other Texas traditions. Generally, Dallas weddings are characterized by the following components:
- A small number of guests. It is believed that there is no need to invite a bunch of people, most of whom are strangers to the couple. It is better to have a modest celebration with the closest people.
- Modest doesn’t mean boring. During weddings, Dallasites love to have fun, sing songs and drink alcohol.
- A bus instead of a limousine. Residents prefer to rent a bus featuring the Dallas Cowboys logo rather than pay for a luxurious limousine. This is a Dallas tradition to take guests to the banquet in this way.
- Elements of cowboy clothing. Wearing cowboy boots, a hat or even having a photoshoot with horses during a wedding ceremony is a tradition in Dallas that came from Texas.
Finding a baby figure in your piece of cake
According to an old Dallas tradition, during the celebration of Mardi Gras, you have to find and eat a piece of cake with a plastic baby figure on it. This is believed to bring luck, happiness and prosperity for the next year. However, finding that coveted piece is not so easy, because they are made in small quantities. Typically, newborns are placed on cakes of green and gold color.
Celebrating pets’ birthdays
It’s hard to find a family in Dallas that doesn’t have a pet. Animals are considered family members, and nobody can imagine a life without them. This is common practice in the city to teach children from a young age to love and respect animals. That is why it’s no surprise that Dallasites celebrate their pets’ birthdays.
The celebrations are usually held at home. The owners buy treats for the pet, light a candle and blow out it. However, dog owners often prefer to do something more than just a home celebration. For example, they gather with the birthday pet, their dog friends and their owners by White Rock Lake. They arrange special places for the pets where they can play and even sit at the festive table.
By the way, in addition to birthday celebrations near White Rock Lake, Dallas residents also hold many other events for pets, such as Halloween or other costume parades.
Fishing tournaments
Not only men but also women enjoy fishing. Many Dallas families have a tradition of going fishing together. Avid fishermen even participate in real professional tournaments. But the main purpose of this activity is the opportunity to spend time together and get closer.
Psychologists also support this tradition. They assure that joint outdoor activities significantly impact marital relationships. A husband and wife feel like a team and then return to their daily routine filled with positive energy. Wins and losses during fishing also bring them closer together. If a couple is lucky enough to catch a fish, they share moments of happiness, and if not, they experience disappointment together as well.
Attend the city’s annual festivals and sports competitions
Dozens of various festivals and sporting events take place in Dallas every year. The locals should have a good reason to miss them because otherwise, it would be considered as a disrespect to their traditions. Preparations for the huge events begin in advance. People try to complete as much necessary work as possible so they can peacefully rest. The most significant events in the city include:
- The game of the Dallas Cowboys team. It is known that they played most of their matches during the Christmas holidays. Thus, the locals got an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Buying tickets for the game has become one of the most important traditions.
- Dallas Holiday Parade. To join the annual Dallas parade is a good omen. The event has such lively and positive energy that it stays in the heart of every person until the next year. Since 1988, the parade has united tens of thousands of residents. They come downtown to enjoy the unforgettable spectacle of balloons, giant inflatable characters and performances by famous stars.
- Christmas at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This event is considered the best Christmas celebration in Texas. The locals do not stay away from it too: they meet with their families and dive into the traditional atmosphere of the holiday. On the grounds of this tourist attraction, residents drink fragrant coffee, stroll through the streets and sing holiday songs.
- “The Nutcracker” and “The Night Before Christmas” play. The tradition of attending these performances during the Christmas holidays is more relevant for children, but there are also adults who follow the rules established in their childhood. Theater lovers consider it their duty to join in the cultural life of the city before the holidays.
- Breakfast with the Grinch. Waking up in the morning and seeing one of the biggest villains of all time next to you is a dream and a tradition for many locals. This meeting means only one thing – the long-awaited holidays are coming up.