49th annual Folk Life Festival showcases diverse performers; audiences

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival brought a diverse audience to watch traditional Basque dancers and musicians during Wednesday’s opening ceremonies of the festival, which seeks to preserve cultures and traditions from all around the world.

“It’s a beautiful country; the landscape is beautiful,” said Monica Salinas, 51, a delegate from Basque. “The people are really kind.”

With previous festivals dedicated to New York City, Bermuda Connections and Silk Road this year’s festival always brings people with different backgrounds excited to watch shows on the featured regions. This year’s also included a celebration of the Sounds of California.

California is one of the most diverse states and has one of the largest populations of people who identify as mixed race, or multi-racial. The Sounds of California presented many concerts that showed the power and influence music has to break down barriers and spread culture in many different ways.

“I’m really impressed,” said Ed LeClair, 62. “I thought the Music of California was going to be the Beach Boys.”

“I’m seeing a lot more breath of the program than I thought really existed,” he continued.

Traditional Mexican dancers at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, June 29. Photo by Lauren Markwart.
Traditional Mexican dancers at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, June 29. Photo by Lauren Markwart.

Basque people were some of the first European explorers, and its culture reflects its complicated and influential history. While keeping a strong grip on their culture, they have been able to become some of the leaders in the industry. To present this at the festival, musicians, dancers and experts in other crafts came and shared their skills.

The Festival was a big hit with the community. People went with friends and family, for work and for fun. Many people who hadn’t been there before said they’d look to come again next year.

“I’ve been a volunteer here for many years, about 12 years,” said Clarence Myers, 64. “I always enjoy learning about another person; learn about their food, their music, their dance – it’s interesting.”