A program themed “China: Tradition and the Art of Living” will make its debut in Washington at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. It is the first time that China has participated in the festival, which is the largest and highest-level international exchange of folk arts.

The announcement was made by the China Arts and Entertainment Group on June 11 after nearly one year of preparation. Eight stage performances and 16 folk crafts from 15 provinces, regions and municipalities have been selected among hundreds to be presented at the festival. These performances and crafts have been reorganized and programmed by professionals.

The program will take visitors beyond the news headlines and ubiquitous mass-produced goods associated with China to highlight creativity, heritage and master craftsmanship. It will show China as a country of diverse communities whose experiences reflect regional, occupational and religious distinctions. It will honor the people who, despite current change and pressures, are working to continually adapt traditional culture in meaningful ways.

Attracting more than 1 million visitors , the two-week festival is the largest annual cultural event in Washington. Usually divided into programs featuring a nation, region, state or theme, the festival has featured tradition bearers from more than 90 nations and every US state who represent various ethnic communities. Among them are more than 100 Native American groups and some 70 different occupations.

More than 25,000 musicians, artists, performers, craftsmen, chefs and storytellers have displayed their traditional cultures, techniques and arts at the festival. Japan, South Korea, Mexico and Thailand have featured at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival since its inception in 1967. China’s program will present Chinese culture by sharing personal stories and traditions.

This unprecedented cultural feast will also be presented in Toronto at the Chinese culture festival “China Now” in Canada. It will mark the first time China has held a Chinese cultural festival in two major North American cities.

China’s program, co-hosted by the China International Culture Association and American Smithsonian Institution, will be held from June 25 to 29 and July 2 to 6 in Washington. From July 11 to 13, it will feature at “China Now” at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto.

　　Translated by Du Mei

　　Revised by Tom Fearon