This year, Spain is rocking the FIFA World Cup, while it’s smaller cousin from the north takes center stage at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Catalonia, the autonomous Spanish region has its own language, flag, even anthem. And just this month, Spain lifted direct rule in Catalonia after regional government leaders were sworn in. Castell is a Human Tower built traditionally …
Trump’s Inauguration Looms without the Stars
nauguration events will begin in just over a week. Street closures and parking restrictions throughout D.C. will begin shortly after noon on Jan. 18, and expand to major roads and bridges by 3 a.m. on Jan. 19. These closures will continue even after the Inauguration. Meanwhile, the President-Elect is having trouble finding talent to perform. Trump, however, claims that he’s …
Smithsonian Food History Festival
A free food festival for all ages that explores the past, present, and future of food innovations in America. As part of the Smithsonian Food History Weekend, the National Museum of American History is hosting a day-long festival for families, students, food-enthusiasts, history buffs and more to jump into food history! Through live cooking demonstrations, hands-on learning, film screenings, curator-led …
After the Skies Cleared
by Jason Morenz It started out wet and misty and then in the late afternoon, the skies came down. By 4pm the rain was so hard, the US Park Service had to declare an emergency and opened up museums and federal buildings near the mall for folks to take shelter. The skies came down for over an hour, but once …
Folklife Fest’s New (& Improved) Home
Last year, the National Park Service laid down a new set of rules. After spending millions on new turf in the Nation’s mall, they decided to severely restrict its use. Gone was Library of Congress’ National Book Festival, as well as Dept of Energy’s Solar Decathlon When the Smithsonian was directed to squeeze its tents and structures onto the gravel …
The Folklife Festival is Imperiled
Sunday is the last day of the Folklife Festival this year. It could also be the last day the Folklife Festival will take place on the lawn at the National Mall.Beginning in August, the National Park Service is spending millions to install new turf on the grassy panels of the National Mall, but this comes with a host of regulations …