One of the fun things about living in Washington, DC is access to the cultural offerings of the embassies: concerts, art exhibits, films, and receptions.
On Saturday May 10, 2014, 28 embassies from European countries will open their doors to the public for the annual European Union (EU) Embassies’ Open House.
The free event, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm, is a day of family fun, food, and culture. The open houses offer visitors a look inside the embassies and provide a unique opportunity to experience the cultural heritage and national traditions of the 28 member countries of the European Union.
A free shuttle bus runs between the embassies, allowing you to maximize your experience of traditional music, dance, food, film, and art.
I’ve heard that you can tell which embassies are offering free food by how long the lines are!
This year, participating embassies include: Croatia, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, France and the Federal Republic of Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Belgium, the Czech Republic, the Delegation of the European Union, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Republic of Poland, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Here are a few of the highlights that caught my eye:
- Welcome to the Embassy of Finland, the jewel of Embassy Row. In 2014 our LEED certified green embassy is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
- Step back in time to explore the must-see sights of the spectacular Czech capital of Prague, home to Franz Kafka, one of the last century’s most influential writers. Swing to live jazz and enjoy sophisticated fashion, savory brews, and food of the 1920s in the Embassy’s beer garden and romantic terrace cafe. Watch theater adaptations of Kafka’s stories, explore an exhibition on the author.
- Learn about Belgian Adolphe Sax and enjoy the sounds of his most famous invention, the saxophone. Meet a representative of the world’s diamond center, Antwerp. Celebrate the first anniversary of Brussels Airlines’ connection between the US and EU capitals. Sample Belgian specialties such as waffles, chocolate, beer.
- Discover why Austria and Vienna rank high for quality of life. Listen to Austrian music, taste fine Austrian wines and pastries. Enjoy Viennese roasted Meinl coffee and watch a chef skillfully preparing apple strudel, a traditional Austrian dish.
What’s more, if you can’t make in on May 10th, there is another Around the World Embassy Tour on Saturday May 3, 2014 that will showcase 50 embassies from Africa, Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and the Americas. More on this event later.