Smithsonian Folklife Festival

One of our favorite things to do in the summer is the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.  Held outdoors on the mall between the major Smithsonian museums, usually around July 4 for a couple of weeks, it features different countries, regions  of the United States, or cultural subjects every year.    This year it will feature Columbia, The Peace Corps, and Rhythm and Blues.  I'm especially excited to see what they do with Rhythm and Blues!   There are tents with craftsmen, displays from the countries or organizations, food demonstrations, sometimes animals, storytelling, always music, and often dancing.   This year the dates are June 30 - July 4, and July 7 - 11.   Yes, you can combine it with your Independence Day celebration if you don't mind the crowds.   I think I'd opt for the week after.   You can view/print the schedule from their website, usually available a couple of weeks before the event.   Then you can plan your day accordingly.  

If it gets too hot being outside, take a break in a museum!   Gotta love the air conditioning there. Be sure and sample the ethnic food which is often available.   With our family, a couple of platefuls to share between 5 people usually does the trick.    Here are a few scenes from some of our favorite festivals:

Learning an African game

Trying a pottery wheel

A Romanian building constructed right there on the mall.

A Romanian wedding song and dance

Painted eggs from Romania

An African craftswoman

We got to learn about and try paper making

Our youngest daughter, Natalie tried weaving

Baby yaks were part of the Tibetan display

My daughter Beth and myself in front of a Tibetan backdrop

Trying out a mask

My husband Skip talking with a Tibetan Monk

We have a lot of great memories of enjoying the folk festival, and hope to create many more in the years to come.   Go and create some of your own this year, and then leave a comment about it.  I'd love to hear about it.  If you have pictures or comments you want to share you can send them to me at mlebaird@gmail.com and I'll include them in a post after the festival this year.