Washington DC is a city that is the heart of America’s political world, making it a hotspot for residents from across the globe. DC is an international city beyond just the embassies and diplomatic communities. It is a place that is an amalgamation of global cultures, blending into one large, vibrant city. That international component of DC makes it stand out and is one of the reasons it is one of America’s great cities. The multinational flavor of DC is celebrated every year in May with the return of Passport DC.
Passport DC is a month-long event intended to highlight DC’s great international communities, both diplomatic and residential. It is composed of several different primary events that will give attendees insights into the different cultures and communities within DC. Guests will get special access to embassies, enjoy fun festivals, and interact with the representations of different global groups.
Passport DC is celebrated every May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington. It includes 31 days of programming from 70 embassies and some of DC’s most highly regarded cultural institutions, taking place from the first day of May to the last. It is an event that is fun for families or individuals and serves as a top-notch educational opportunity.
Several major events make up the brunt of Passport DC, although it is composed of many different smaller events as well. Flower Mart, which is set on May 6th and 7th, is a significant market-style event held at the Washington National Cathedral. It is a great setting to shop for flowers, food, and trinkets. There are children’s activities, a historic carousel, and a stunning International Floral Exhibit attendees will adore.
One of the highlights of Passport DC is the Around the World Embassy Tour. This is an exciting event that spotlights the international diplomatic community of the city. The last time the event was held at full capacity, in 2019, over 50 embassies opened their doors to visitors. Attendees can go from embassy to embassy and get a sense of the represented country and community. They can enjoy local cuisines, experience different music, dances, and art, and enjoy presentations put together by the embassies. 2019 featured everything from robots to alpacas; who knows what 2022 will have in store. This event will take place on May 7th.
The European Union is one of the United States’ closest allies, a union of diverse nations, from France and Belgium to Finland and Ireland. The European Union Open House is an event where the delegations and embassies of the EU open their doors to attendees. There will be food, art, film, and much more, and many different nations will be welcoming visitors. This event is free and family-friendly and will give you a taste of that European trip you’ve been craving. This event takes place Saturday, May 14th.
Not all the Passport DC events are confined to the embassy. The Fiesta Asia Street Fair is one of the most well-known events of this week, a huge street parade that is a part of the Asian Heritage Month Commemorations. This outdoor parade takes place in front of Capitol Hill and has been a staple of DC since 2006. This parade has a lot to offer attendees, including outdoor craft exhibits, interactive displays, martial arts demonstrations, and much more. There will also be music, delicious food, and a traditional market with vendors. This incredible display of East Asian culture is a blast for the whole family and takes place on May 21st from 11 am to 7 pm.
The international community within DC is part of what makes the city such a special place. The spirit of global integration and cooperation runs deep in Washington, which is what Passport DC is all about. Passport DC celebrates the different communities that reside in Washington, from the embassies and diplomatic entities to the residential communities. It is meant to highlight the city’s international flavor through fun and cultural exchanges. This is part of what makes Passport DC a fun, family-friendly event DC residents look forward to every year.
