Folk Festival in Washington showcases diverse cultures
Ap, Washington
In spite of days of pouring rain, the National Mall was ready last Friday for the opening day of the annual Folklife Festival sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution.For the festival's 40th year, the Smithsonian decided to focus on the Canadian province of Alberta, Native American basketry, and music in Chicago's Latino culture. Concerts will showcase music from New Orleans' black community. Festival visitors interested in learning about the United States' neighbor to the north can watch a demonstration of how a chuck wagon is prepared for a race, or test their hands at throwing a fishing fly. They can also wander through an array of booths and stages to learn about the Canadian province's traditional crafts, energy industry and environment. A separate section of the festival houses booths showcasing Native American and Hawaiian basket and hat weaving. Nearby, replica Chicago street signs decorate a section dedicated to Latino music in the Windy City. This is the third installment in the festival's focus on Latino music. The festival is scheduled to continue until July 4 and then resume July 7 through 11.
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A Native American woman weaving a basket at the festival |
