   |
|||
         |
Passport DC: A Celebration of International Culture By Karen Kullgren Stamp your passports for international fun without leaving the country! On May 3-17, Cultural Tourism DC will present Passport DC, a two-week celebration of the international community in Washington, D.C., with open houses and cultural programing at embassies and other venues. On Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., when EU Open House 2008 kicks off Europe Week, 27 embassies will offer authentic music, dance, film, cuisine and art exhibits. At the Embassy of the Czech Republic, for example, traditional Czech folk music willl meet modern world rock with bagpipes, guitar, drums and other instruments. There will also be activities at a special Children's Corner. The Embassy of Bulgaria will feature folk music, dancing, an art exhibit and samples of authentic Bulgarian foods. At the Embassy of Denmark, games for children will be offered throughout the day, plus you can sample Danish delicacies and watch traditional folk dancing. The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany will have fun and games for kids. At the Embassy of Hungary, families can listen to traditional folk music and learn folk dancing with the instructors of a professional Hungarian folk dance ensemble. Mark your calendars for May 10, when the Meridian International Center hosts the International Children’s Festival, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Eighteen embassies will host booths highlighting their countries, including interactive opportunities to explore geography, dress and traditions. For example, children can create origami from Japan, learn Adinkra cloth-stamping from Ghana and try their hand at crepe-making from France! Outdoor performances in the center’s gorgeous gardens will feature international and Washington artists, including Joy of Motion, Dhoonya Dance, Silk Road Dance Company and Maple School of Irish Dance. On Sunday, May 11, 2-4 p.m., at the Chinatown Community Cultural Center, learn the techniques and music of the Chinese Lion Dance and join in the dance for good luck! On May 16 at 4 p.m., the Embassy of Nigeria hosts a Nigerian Cultural Showcase with tastings of authentic dishes, films, music and a cultural dance performance. Turn your sights East on the May 17 annual Fiesta Asia—National Asian Heritage Festival. Up and down Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Sixth streets, NW, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., there will be a free street fair including live music and performance artists, Pan-Asian cuisine, a lion dance and martial arts showcase, cultural displays and interactive activities like textile weaving, drum playing and dancing. Kids can enjoy performances, including some by children, on the three main stages: cultural, martial arts and talent. “We have lots to offer children and families,” promises Wuiping Yap, executive director of the Asia Heritage Foundation, which sponsors the event. “Children and parents can also learn how to play a traditional Malaysian congkak marble game, how to [perform] Indian Bollywood dance and traditional Filipino bamboo dance, how to weave textiles on a wooden textile weaver, how to wear an Indian sari, have their names written in various Asian languages, taste Asian street snacks and food, witness the lion dance competition, and much more.” There will also be a cultural parade, featuring a variety groups and children in costumes. Closing the festival on May 17 will be an Around the World Open House. Embassies will open their doors to the public and hold continuing activities. Highlights include:
At KORUS House, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., tour the museum filled with traditional musical instruments and Korean artifacts, including an archery exhibit. There will be a tae kwon do demonstration and kids will be taught basic moves. If weather allows, the embassy will put huge screens outdoors with 12 animals representing long life and prosperity. According to Hosam Kim, project coordinator, the lore is that people who have their picture taken in front of these screens will have a long, prosperous life! Look for lots of action all day and into the evening at the Mexican Cultural Institute, which will feature painting, sculpture and ceramic exhibits, Mexican antojitos (snacks) and refreshments. The DC Youth Orchestra will present the Young Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra performing Latin-American compositions. Families can learn the fandango and zapateado dances as ensembles Son Luna and Los Quetzales provide the music. Folk dance, music, cuisine and a film about Mongolian nature, flora and fauna are offered 10 - 11 a.m., noon - 1 p.m. at the Embassy of Mongolia. At the Embassy of Australia, watch performances of indigenous music, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. These are just a few of the many fantastic events that will comprise Passport DC. If you have teens, take a look at the website together as the many other events not appropriate for younger children, ranging from photo exhibits to gallery exhibits and house tours, may be of interest to older youth (and their moms and dads!). Washington Parent contributing editor Karen Kullgren and her son love to explore international cultures both at home and abroad. Visit www.PassportDC.org for details including addresses, closest Metro stops, links to the embassies, and other institutions and fees where applicable (most events listed above are free although some, such as the Meridian International Center festival, charge a small fee). You can also call Cultural Tourism DC at 202-661-7581. **Adults, be sure to bring a photo I.D., which you will need for entry at many locations.** Before you go, explore the countries via embassy websites. Some, like Federal Republic of Germany’s www.germany.info, have sections just for kids! |
||
|
home | guides | current issue | calendar | parent resources | ad info | FAQs | about us | contact us |
|||