PASSPORT
DCBy Jayne Clark
Washington is among the most American of cities. And as home to embassies from around the globe, it also boasts a vibrant international vibe.
May is an ideal time to sample the city’ s foreign flavors. During International Cultural Awareness Month, visitors and locals alike can go behind the walls of dozens of these foreign missions. Sponsored by Cultural Tourism DC, the 31-day Passport DC event spotlights the city’ s diplomatic community with special programs involving 70 participating embassies, plus events from 40 local cultural groups.
If you’ re in the capital in May, chances are your visit will coincide with at least one Passport DC event, and many of them are free. Schedule updates are at culturaltourismdc. org.
Among Passport DC’ s most anticipated events are two days of embassy open houses.“ This is a unique kind of learning experience that you can’ t get elsewhere,” says Cultural Tourism DC executive director Steve Shulman.
Washington embassies tend to be concentrated in two areas: along Massachusetts Avenue near Dupont Circle and around International Court off Connecticut Avenue. A tip: Embassies on the tour that are farther afield from these two
hubs, tend to draw fewer crowds, meaning shorter wait times.
Some Passport DC highlights in order of occurrence:
Flower Market at National Cathedral May 5-6 More than just a plant sale, this time-honored spring festival plays out amid the lush gardens of one of the city’ s most imposing buildings. There are also food and gift sales and children’ s activities. There’ s even a historic carousel erected on the grounds for the occasion. Take time to tour this Gothic Revival beauty. A visit to the cathedral’ s Pilgrim Observation Gallery offers birds-eye perspectives.( The cathedral occupies the highest point in the city, and with the Washington Monument closed for repairs until 2019, this is the good substitute spot for aerial views.) For details: Allhallowsguild. org.
Around the World Embassy Tour May 6( 10 a. m.-4 p. m.) Circle the globe from Brazil to Botswana when non-European Union embassies welcome the public. Some feature special programming and exhibits, in addition to self-guided tours. Past years’ activities have included traditional dances at the Ethiopian Embassy, a robot display at Japan’ s mission and close encounters with an alpaca at the Peruvian embassy. Forty embassies participated in 2016, but organizers are betting on an even greater turnout this year, which marks the 10th anniversary of the event. The tours are free, but bring along a government-issued ID.
Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies’ Open House May 13( 10 a. m.-4 p. m.) The 28 member countries of the European Union open their doors for tours, exhibits and activities. Many of these countries feature additional events like film screenings, dance and musical performances throughout May.( Check culturaltourismdc. org for specifics.) Again, the open house events are free, but bring your ID.
National Asian Heritage Festival: Fiesta Asia May 20( 10 a. m.-7 p. m.) This lively street fair is a perennial Washington favorite. Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Third and Sixth streets hosts the open-air extravaganza, where dancers, martial artists, craftspeople and others, show their stuff. For details: fiestaasia. org.
Embassy Chef Challenge May 24( 6:30 p. m.) Treat your taste buds to a global jaunt at this competition displaying the talents of 20 or so competitors who cook for embassies. Tickets are limited. Details: culturaltourismdc. org.
SPRING 2017 47 FLYWASHINGTON. COM