Colombian culture at Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Flor Alba Briceño demonstrates her basket-making technique

The best way to get an in-depth look at a culture is to travel to where it is. No guidebook, TV show or movie can replace the experience of being immersed in the daily life of a place. But when it’s not possible to go everywhere you’d like, books, films and festivals certainly help.

If you’ll be in Washington, D.C., in late June and early July (official dates are: June 30 to July 4 and July 7 to 11, 2011), get a taste of Colombian culture at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Since 1967, the international exposition has featured contemporary living cultural traditions. Admission is free, and it’s all laid out on the National Mall for all to swing by and dive in.

I was recently in Colombia, and visited with people who will be attending the festival to share how the country’s environment and culture are intertwined. From artisans to architects to actors—they taught me more about Colombia in a short period of time than I would have discovered on my own. And the experience makes me want to go to the festival to see how others react to the wealth of culture that is already drawing me back to visit the country again.

Aside from the focus on Colombia, this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival also celebrates the people and culture of Rhythm and Blues, and the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. For festival attendance tips, check out the official website and make your plans.