The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual event organised by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. It is a celebration of cultural heritage, traditions, and living traditions from around the world. The festival typically takes place for several days, offering visitors an immersive experience of diverse artistic expressions through performances, demonstrations, exhibitions, discussions, and interactive activities. The festival showcases a range of cultural practices, including music, dance, crafts, storytelling, foodways, and oral traditions. It provides a platform for artists, musicians, artisans, performers, and practitioners of traditional arts to share their knowledge, skills, and cultural practices with the public.
Each summer, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival takes place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a large public park stretching between the U.S. Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial. The festival typically sets up stages, exhibition areas, and interactive spaces on the grounds of the National Mall, creating a vibrant and engaging environment for visitors to explore and experience the diverse cultural traditions on display. The 2023 edition will take place from June 29 to July 4.
A Free Fest
Like the best things in life, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is free to enjoy. The extravaganza is also easy to find, as it's centrally located at the National Mall. The festival is free and open to the public, attracting thousands of visitors from around the United States and worldwide. It serves as a vibrant space for cultural exploration, fostering an appreciation for the richness and diversity of human culture and promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
Feasting At The Fest
From savoury street food to delectable desserts, the offerings often feature traditional recipes, and cooking techniques passed down through generations. Whether it's savouring spicy delicacies from Asia, sampling soulful dishes from Africa, or enjoying the flavours of Latin America, the food at the festival promises a diverse and mouthwatering experience. Alongside the food stalls, the celebration often includes cooking demonstrations, workshops, and discussions where attendees can learn about the culinary traditions, ingredients, and cooking methods associated with different cultures.
A Musical Treat
The festival showcases various musical acts and demonstrations. Participants can join the performers for their renditions of free performances and classes and learn musical instruments.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities
The festival is family-centric daily but look for specific programming for youngsters throughout the weeks-long event. Also note the educational benefits of the festival, which was founded to spark curiosity, catalyse intercultural exchange and create participatory experiences that nurture human connection. Additionally, for this year, the Folklife Festival has specially programmed an exploration of one of the most unique regions in the U.S., the Ozarks, through its culture, people, traditions and art.
Cover photo credit Destination DC
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