Passport DC Celebrates 5th Anniversary with Expanded Showcase of International Art and Culture

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Passport DC, a month-long celebration of international culture, returns this May to take visitors and residents on a global journey through Washington, DC. This year, Cultural Tourism DC's Passport DC celebrates its fifth anniversary with an expanded offering of signature events, international street festivals, open houses, embassy events, special performances, and more than 70 embassies.  

The kickoff signature event for Passport DC, the Around the World Embassy Tour, will be on Saturday, May 5, 2012. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 40 embassies representing six continents will open their doors to DC visitors and residents. Participants can travel the world as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, and music of different countries. Last year visitors were treated to karate demonstrations, global dance performances, sari wrapping lessons, henna demonstrations, wine tasting, and exclusive embassy tours. A complete list of participating Embassies is available online.                                     

In addition to the Around the World Embassy Tour, Cultural Tourism DC's Passport DC features four other signature events:   

• Meridian International Children's Festival, May 6—This festival introduces the next generation of global travelers to cultures around the world.  The festival features children actives and an international performance stage with groups from around the world.
• Short Cut to Europe: European Union Embassies' Open House, May 12 — A tour inside the embassies of the European Union member countries and a showcase of the EU countries' distinctive cultures. Presented in partnership with the European Union Delegation to the USA.
• National Museum of Women in the Arts' Global Market Place, May 13 and 14 — The artistic shopping event will feature products created by women in emerging economies.  Admission to the Global Market Place is free both days and admission to the museum is free on Mother's Day, May 13. 
• National Asian Heritage Festival: Fiesta Asia Street Fair, May 19 — The National Asia Heritage Foundation, in partnership with Passport DC, presents this street festival honoring the diverse cultures of Asia with music, art, food, and crafts

For this fifth edition, all Passport DC signature events are free. Dozens of other exhibits, special events, performances, lectures, and more round out the Passport DC month. A complete list of Passport DC events will be available at www.CulturalTourismDC.org in April.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jessica Marlatt, 202-626-1133
[email protected]

SOURCE Cultural Tourism DC