Community Corner
Smithsonian Folklife Festival 2014 Features China and Kenya
Festival continues through Sunday.
This year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival featuring the cultures of China and Kenya continues today through Sunday in DC.
The Festival is free and held outdoors on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between the Smithsonian museums.
In the China program’s Family Style tent, families can try hands-on activities and watch special performances reflecting the country’s seasonal festivals. Visitors can play games, learn a new dance, make a lantern or kite, press a design into a moon cake, fill a sachet with herbs or color their own Chinese zodiac chart. Mandarin language instructors will teach phrases and songs.
In the Tuchezeni! or Let’s Play tent in the Kenya program, visitors can play new games, sing songs and participate in the Festival’s daily fun run with a Kenyan marathoner. They can also learn how to say native animals’ names in Swahili and design colorful khanga cloths. Children can discover how Kenyans are protecting the environment by using recycled items to create a beaded bracelet, water bottle planter, or mancala game.- There is no admission charge. Visitors should dress for hot and humid weather. (The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory Wednesday for DC.)
- Parking around the Mall is extremely limited, so visitors are advised to use Metrorail. The Smithsonian station (Mall exit) is at the Festival site. Federal Triangle and National Archives stations are close by.
- Planning a visit to the Festival? The Smithsonian Folklife Festival page can help you plan your trip—from where to stay to what's happening at the museums.
- Take a look at the map for this year's festival.
- Download a festival app here.
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