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| Composer-Singer Eva Ayllón |
The 49th annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival opened to a standing room-only crowd at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian yesterday, showcasing just a glimpse of the fun to be had over the course of the next two weeks. This year's festival is shining all its spotlight on one country... Peru. Thankfully, the 30-million strong South American country appears more than capable of carrying the annual celebration all by its lonesome.
In addition to a number of political dignitaries (Ambassadors Miguel Castilla and Brian Nichols) Peruvian sensation Eva Ayllón joined in on the fun, raising the roof on the Rasmuson Theater midway through the festivities. The 90-minute production ended with a ceremonial bell ringing, indicating the official start of the festival. Click here to learn more about the festival, including hours, location and a full list of activities.
About the Festival:
The Folklife Festival, inaugurated in 1967, honors people from across the United States and around the world. The Festival unites presenters and performers in the nation’s capital to celebrate the diversity of cultural traditions. It is produced by the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.
Follow the Festival on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Festival fans can also keep up with each day’s events through the Festival Blog.
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| Ambassadors Brian Nichols and Miguel Castilla (r) |
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| NMAI Director Kevin Gover |
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| Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Director Michael Mason |
