“Journey” to Colombia at this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival, located in Washington D.C. July 1-4 and July 7-11, from 11 am.-5:30 p.m. Beginning with the opening ceremony at 11 am on Thursday, June 30. the festival gives visitors the chance to indulge in the traditions, diversity and culture of Colombia.
This is the festival’s 45th year celebrating culture from all around the world, with this year focusing on Colombia, Peace Corps and Rhythm & Blues.
This year’s program will allow visitors to see, taste and feel the true colors and passion of Colombia. Visitors will be able to move beyond perceptions and discover the offering and experience Colombia has to offer as a booming travel destination.
“For many decades, Colombia was plagued by violence and insecurity fueled by illegal armed groups; but today, we have turned a corner and emerged from the shadows of our past to become a stronger democracy, an economic force in the region and a leader in international affairs,” said Colombian Ambassador to the United States Gabriel Silva.
“As a new day has dawned in Colombia, we now have an opportunity to shed light on the many positive steps our nation continues to make. With this new day comes the opportunity to open people’s eyes not only to the new Colombia of today, but also to the roots and richness of our cultural heritage. The Folklife Festival is by far the largest stage in the United States to showcase our culture, and we invite all to come to the National Mall to behold firsthand the profound beauty of our country, the warmth of our people, the richness of our traditions and the foundation of our cultural heritage.”
The Nature of Colombian Culture program at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase the real Colombia through lifestyles and traditions from all over Colombia. It will highlight the bio-cultural diversity of the country, along with how the environment is linked to their culture.
“Visitors will be able to see the biodiversity of Colombia in the Folklife Festival; however, the richness of the country is fully experienced when visiting the country, traveling its forests, mountains, savannas, beaches and enjoying the coffee triangle, parties, cities, and numerous possibilities of varied tourism available throughout the country,” said Maria Claudia Lacouture, President of Proexport.
Festival goers will have the opportunity to take a journey to South America and meet those individuals representing Colombia from nine different regions of the country.
To view the day by day schedule of the Colombia program at the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival,visit: http://www.festival.si.edu/2011/schedule_06_30.aspx
See more travel features:
www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate
www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin
Tags: Colombia cultural festival, festivals, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington DC
GoingPlacesNearAndFar's Blog 
August 27, 2011 at 4:29 am |
park and stay hotels…
Take a Journey through Colombia at 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC « GoingPlacesNearAndFar's Blog…
September 12, 2012 at 3:17 pm |
I love the museums in Washington DC. On my last trip, I visited the Museum of Crime and Punishment. I did not realize how large this museum was. It certainly made my trip worth the while.