Smithsonian Folklife Festival

The 40th anniversary celebration of the Smithsonian Folklife Festival will recognize the birth of America’s first colony and the rich traditions of African and Asian cultures and Irish folklore.

The 10-day festival, which takes place on the National Mall from June 27-July 1 and from July 4-8, recognizes the 400th anniversary of the first permanent British settlement in America at Jamestown, Va.

Festivities take place from 11 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. with events including concerts continuing into the night. The festival is free of charge.

“The Roots of Virginia Culture” exhibit will honor Jamestown with more than 120 period performers. A contingent from England’s Kent County will be in attendance, representing the ancestors of America’s earliest settlers. Kent is the first county to be represented at the festival.

The festival will also pay tribute to the Chesapeake Bay by showcasing recreations of boats John Smith used to explore the area on his voyage to America.

Audiophiles will be treated to old-time Virginian musical and dance traditions, including bluegrass, blues, gospel and West African, in addition to daily displays of tribal dance.

Craft lovers will be in heaven, as visitors will be invited to quilt and view some of the entries into the “Jamestown Challenge,” a historic quilting competition. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about other types of crafts, such as pottery and American Indian Regalia.

And, in “Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian,” the festival will provide other ways for crafters to cross cultures.

“Northern Ireland at the Smithsonian” promises to bring more than Riverdance to the Folklife Festival. The program will provide an overview of Irish crafting traditions, including dress designers, lace makers, potters, and basket-weavers.
Festival-goers will also learn how bagpipes and different types of Irish drums are constructed.

But this doesn’t mean there won’t be any dancing. Dance instructors Mary Fox, of the All Set Ensemble, and Lucy Mulholland, of the Cuckoo’s Nest, will show festival-goers how to get their jig on.

The festival will take a close look at old Irish industry, with representatives from Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Thomas Fergusons Irish Linen, Belleek Pottery and Ulster Carpets detailing the culture and traditions behind their companies and products.

The immersion into Irish culture also showcases a hands-on experience; visitors will have the opportunity to experience hurling, Gaelic football, and rounders — the progenitor of American baseball.

“Mekong River: Connecting Cultures” delves into connections among Asian cultures throughout the region. Participants hail from a list of nations including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and China.

Highlights of the program include a section of classes geared toward teaching children about various facets of Asian culture. Children will be able to participate in Cambodian dancing, writing in Laotian and learning how to eat with chopsticks. But other activities, such as fashion shows, lion dancing and Vietnamese face painting promise to entertain the entire family.
Bamboo artists will be on hand creating baskets and fish-traps, while potters and silversmiths will also be plying their craft in front of audiences.

The cultural event attracts roughly 1 million visitors each year.

For more information, visit http://www.folklife.si.edu.

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