Passport DC is celebrated annually in May, which is observed as the International Cultural Awareness Month
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, has announced the return of Passport DC, a month-long celebration that highlights the thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture in the Washington DC.
In a press statement, Events DC says that in its 17th year, Passport DC is celebrated annually in May, which is observed as the International Cultural Awareness Month.
Angie M Gates
The statement adds that Passport DC will be a showcase of an outstanding array of cultural activities presented at embassy open houses, street festivals, performing arts venues, museums, and special receptions throughout the District. All events are free and open to the public.
“Passport DC is back and I am thrilled to celebrate the diverse international communities that have become an integral part of the amazing culture of Washington, DC. Throughout May, I encourage everyone to join us as we travel the world through a series of unforgettable signature events that underscore why our city is the culture capital of the world,” says Events DC President and CEO Angie M Gates.
The statement adds that key components of Passport DC are its signature event.
May 3-4: International City Food Festival
May 3-4: All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart
May 4: Around the World Embassy Tour
May 11: European Union Open House
May 18: Fiesta Asia
as well as International Cultural Programming, where internationally themed programmes are offered by cultural organisations during the month of May.
Joan Brammer
“We (the embassies) look forward to Passport DC AWET every year. It is the one day when we can open our doors to the city and share our culture with residents and visitors around the world. It’s exhilarating to travel the world without leaving DC, all in one day!,’’ says Joan Brammer, President of the Washington Educational and Cultural Attache Association.
The statement adds that around the World Embassy Tour is one of several signature events produced during May’s International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, DC. Non-European Union Embassies, representing six continents and islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, open their doors to DC visitors and residents. These visitors then “travel the world” as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods from different countries. Guests may also be treated to karate demonstrations, sari wrapping lessons, alpaca petting and the mechanics of video games and robots. Each embassy decides what unique aspect of its country it wants to present to the public.
The organisation adds that over 60 embassies are confirmed to open their doors to the public on May 4.
It says that the International City Food Festival will be two days of celebrations complementing the first weekend of Passport DC, making culinary diplomacy accessible to all ages through a variety of fun and culturally rich events. Join Events DC at The Square where there will be a plethora of international performances, food, and crafts presented by vendors from around the world. The International City Food Festival offers an opportunity to journey across the globe and celebrate diverse cultures within the heart of Washington, DC.
According to Events DC, European Union Open House is organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Visitors will enjoy the authentic music, dance, food, film and art of the distinctive nations of the European Union! This event falls every year on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. This date marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration, which established the European Coal and Steel Community, a multinational entity that would eventually become the European Union as we know it today.
The statement adds that the All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart is a programme where people can shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride the historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit. All Hallows Guild has hosted Flower Mart since 1939 and this is the 85th festival. Flower Mart is the largest annual fundraiser for the Washington National Cathedral’s gardens and grounds.
Fiesta Asia is a street fair and a signature celebration that occurs every May in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month Commemorations. It offers outdoor craft exhibits, live performances, food and more. Since 2006, Fiesta Asia’s aim is to share, celebrate, and promote the diversity of Asian heritage and culture through the arts, traditions, education, cuisine, and way of life, says Events DC.
