The Smithsonian Folklife Festival brings world culture to Washington, D.C.

For two weeks each summer, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., transforms into a thriving and vibrant celebration of world culture. As part of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, master artisans, storytellers and other cultural representatives from across the country and the globe come together in our nation’s capital to share their heritage, stories and traditions with the public. And each year, more than 1 million visitors join in the celebration.

For more than four decades, the Festival has remained true to the goals set by its founders in 1967. “The Smithsonian wanted to create an outdoor festival that would bring living culture to the people,” says James Deutsch, program curator for the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, which organizes the Festival. “We want to use the festival to celebrate the wisdom of traditional cultures and communities from around the world.”

What truly makes the Smithsonian Folklife Festival unique, however, is that it encourages visitors to interact and engage with the presenters. In addition to performances, the Festival features re-created workshops and villages, in which the participants are able to practice their crafts. These traditional settings enable visitors to participate in a cultural exchange by conversing with the participants, learning songs and dances or simply enjoying traditional food. “We want the people to speak for themselves,” Deutsch says. “Our participants are bearers of traditions, bearers of cultures.”

Every year, the Festival focuses on three distinct programs, featuring a nation, region, state or theme. This year’s programs include Giving Voice: The Power of Words in African American Culture; Las Américas: Un Mundo Musical; and Wales Smithsonian Cymru. Through performances and intimate discussions, Giving Voice will explore how African American oral traditions have shaped American culture. Las Américas will feature the rich diversity of Latino music throughout the United States and Latin America. Finally, Wales Smithsonian Cymru highlights the rich Welsh culture that has persevered through modern times.

Because of the wide variety of rotating programs and programs, “We encourage people to come early and come often,” Deutsch says. However, he also emphasizes that visitors must be proactive to get the very most out of their Festival experiences. “Step forward, introduce yourself and engage in one of these cultural conversations.”

Planning to travel to Washington, D.C., from June 24-28 or July 1-5 this summer? Then take advantage of this unique educational and cultural opportunity. Check out the festival website for more information and a schedule of events.