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 .
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