Food, Fun, Folklife Festival
| Suzanne Kianpour, DC Scene Intern The patriotic celebrations of the Fourth of July are just around the corner to remind us to appreciate America and our freedom. But before bringing out the fireworks, get acquainted with a new culture, or reacquainted with parts of American culture, at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. |  |
 From Wednesday to Sunday and again from July 2 to July 6, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival is taking place on the National Mall. From 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., you will have the opportunity to experience three diverse cultures in one day! The cultures featured are NASA, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Texas, and the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, which is a small country often overlooked because of its large neighbors, China and India.You may have noticed a very large temple on the mall and pondered its purpose. No need to furrow your brow any longer: that is actually the centerpiece of the festival, which is a Bhutanese temple given to the American people as a "gift of friendship." The temple is beautifully designed with elaborate and colorful carvings, including a depiction of a dragon.Bhutan was introduced to the world as democracy’s newest follower in March. Besides its new regime change, this festival is the most attention the small country has ever received, making the Folklife Festival the largest stage to ever showcase Bhutan.The next two cultures featured, NASA and Texas, are more American “cultures.” Texas food, wine and music will be the highlight of its exhibit, while NASA will be displaying history and future of space exploration. Festival organizers say NASA offers many stories and contributions to the wider culture.This event is free and located at The National Mall, between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.The festival attracts about 1 million visitors each year. You should be one of them. |
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