No-Tsu-Oh

In the early 20th century, the city of Houston became a magical place every November for more than a decade when King Nottoc ruled over the mystical realm of Saxet in the domain of Tekram and its capital city of No-Tsu-Oh. To those for whom this language is strange, please read backwards! Introduced and promoted by Houston’s business community, the celebration soon expanded into a full week that included parades with colorful floats and flower-bedecked automobiles, expansive exhibits featuring local agricultural and horticultural products, and downtown buildings outlined in lights.

The high point of the week was the arrival of No-Tsu-Oh’s King and Queen, having traveled down Buffalo Bayou to greet their subjects at the foot of Main Street. The last and most elaborate No-Tsu-Oh Carnival, as it came to be called, was held in 1915. The advent of World War I brought an end to the annual celebration. After a lapse of a century, Houston Arts & Media revived the historic event in October, 2015, at Historic Magnolia Ballroom. This revival featured the crowning of King Nottoc XVII (Truett Latimer) and Queen Ailongam I (Minnette Boesel), prominent Houstonians who have contributed much to the vibrancy of our city. Plans are now underway for No-Tsu-Oh 2016. Houston will once again become a magical place with a magical name!