Events DC is thrilled to announce the return of Passport DC, a month-long journey around the world highlighting Washington, DC’s thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. In its 17th year, Passport DC is celebrated annually in May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington.
Passport DC will be a showcase of an outstanding array of cultural activities presented at embassy open houses, street festivals, performing arts venues, museums, and special receptions throughout the District. All events are free and open to the public.
“Passport DC is back and I am thrilled to celebrate the diverse international communities that have become an integral part of the amazing culture of Washington, DC,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “Throughout May, I encourage everyone to join us as we travel the world through a series of unforgettable signature events that underscore why our city is the culture capital of the world.”
Key components of Passport DC are its signature events:
- May 3-4: International City Food Festival (Produced by Events DC)
- May 3-4: All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart (Produced by All Hallows Guild at Washington National Cathedral)
- May 4: Around the World Embassy Tour (Produced by Events DC)
- May 11: European Union Open House (Produced by the European Union Delegation)
- May 18: Fiesta Asia (Produced by Asia Heritage Foundation)
- International Cultural Programing (Internationally themed programs offered by cultural organizations during the month of May)
“We (the embassies) look forward to Passport DC AWET every year,” said Joan Brammer, President of the Washington Educational and Cultural Attache Association. “It is the ONE day when we can open our doors to the city and share our culture with residents and visitors around the world. It’s exhilarating to travel the world without leaving DC—all in one day!”
Around the World Embassy Tour is one of several signature events produced during May’s International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, DC. Non-European Union Embassies, representing six continents and islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, open their doors to DC visitors and residents. These visitors then “travel the world” as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods from different countries. Guests may also be treated to karate demonstrations, sari wrapping lessons, alpaca petting and the mechanics of video games and robots. Each embassy decides what unique aspect of its country it wants to present to the public.
60+ embassies are confirmed to open their doors to the public on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A full list of embassies participating is HERE.
International City Food Festival will be two days of celebrations complementing the first weekend of Passport DC, making culinary diplomacy accessible to all ages through a variety of fun and culturally rich events. Join Events DC at The Square on May 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and May 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. where there will be a plethora of international performances, food, and crafts presented by vendors from around the world. The International City Food Festival offers an opportunity to journey across the globe and celebrate diverse cultures within the heart of Washington, DC.
European Union Open House is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Visitors will enjoy the authentic music, dance, food, film and art of the distinctive nations of the European Union! This event falls every year on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. This date marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, which established the European Coal and Steel Community, a multinational entity that would eventually become the European Union as we know it today.
All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart is a program where people can shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride the historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit. All Hallows Guild has hosted Flower Mart since 1939 and this is our 85th festival! Flower Mart is our largest annual fundraiser for the Washington National Cathedral’s gardens and grounds. The 2024 theme is “In Bloom” as we celebrate the power of flowers!
Fiesta Asia is a street fair and a signature celebration that occurs every May in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month Commemorations. It offers outdoor craft exhibits, live performances, food and more. Since 2006, Fiesta Asia’s aim is to share, celebrate, and promote the diversity of Asian heritage and culture through the arts, traditions, education, cuisine, and way of life.
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