Americans have dreamt and pursued the goal of driving across the USA in your Chevrolet or Audi, but here in Washington, D.C., they can go around the world in May.
That’s when Cultural Tourism DC presents its seventh annual Passport DC event, when the city’s unique array of international embassies open their doors to the public not only for visits but with a wide range of special events.
Passport DC has become a uniquely Washington event, because of the city’s embassies and because of a growing turnout every year, abetted by the city’s changing and growing population.
Passport DC starts off big-time with the Around the World Embassy Tour, May 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in which 50 embassies from six continents invite residents and visitors alike to visit their countries by way of giving you a taste of various cultures, from food, to art, dance and music, Tango lessons, henna applications, Ceylon tea tasting, Dominican rum tastings, and even Thai massage.
On May 10, it’s Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies Open House. In fact, Passport DC came out of a European Union open house event which attracted thousands. Twenty eight embassies as well as the European Union Delegation to the United States are inviting visitors in to taste, see and hear the cultures of their countries.
On May 15, it’s the Embassy Chef Challenge, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. This is also Cultural Tourism’s annual fundraiser. In this annual competition, world-class embassy chefs—of which there are quite a few—present special small plates of their countries culinary specialties. A panel of celebrity chefs and food critics select the winner of the Judge’s Choice Award, while guests can cast a ballot for the people’s choice winner. There’s also a live and silent auction.
On May 17, it’s the National Asian Heritage Festival, featuring the Fiesta Asia Street Fair, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., a fair that features more than 1,000 performers on five stages, representing some 20 cultures. There’s pan-Asian cuisine, a shopping bazaar, kid-friendly, interactive activities, a parade, Bollywood street dancing and crafts, all on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets.
Here’s some links to all the activities:
www.facebook.com/CulturalTourismDC
Hashtag: #PassportDC
