WHUT Around the World Embassy Tour: A Recap
Each May, Passport DC transforms Washington, DC into a global classroom through cultural showcases, performances, embassy open houses, and family-friendly experiences that celebrate the many cultures represented throughout the nation’s capital. This year, we joined WHUT and Passport DC for a special Ready, Set, Explore! curated walking tour during the annual Around the World Embassy Tour, which was a memorable experience for both kids and adults alike.
About This Guide
Sarah Acors is your DMV Kid-friendly Weekend Curator! She’s a DC Native, local parent and the founder of 4DMV Kids, a family-focused platform that helps parents discover kid-friendly, educational, and culturally rich experiences across Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. This piece recaps WHUT’s Ready, Set, Explore Curated Walking Tour as part of the Around the World Embassy Tour experience.
Our first stop was to the Embassy of Colombia, where visitors had the opportunity to walk through parts of the embassy’s beautifully designed main level. We explored the elegant living room quarters and the main dining area while learning more about Colombian culture and hospitality. One of the highlights was the marketplace featuring Colombian-made gifts, clothing, snacks, and artisan goods that gave guests an opportunity to take a small piece of the culture home with them.
Next, we headed to the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, where the atmosphere was lively and festive from the moment we arrived. A live band was preparing to perform, filling the space with excitement and anticipation. Guests sampled traditional foods while browsing another vibrant marketplace filled with handcrafted items and cultural treasures. My son and I purchased a Dominican Cake, which is a light, moist pound cake with charred, whipped icing. SO good!
Our third stop may have been the most memorable of the day—the Embassy of Kenya. Guests were treated to delicious samples from Swahili Village, including a flavorful rice dish native to Kenya that quickly became a crowd favorite. This embassy experience beautifully highlighted the importance of food and community in the celebration of culture.
After the walking tour concluded, my son and I made one final stop at the University of the District of Columbia in Van Ness to catch the tail end of the Around the World Embassy tour festivities. We explored cultural displays representing many countries including Indonesia, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines, and Uganda. The sample of saltfish from St. Vincent was amazing and we also enjoyed a special hip-hop fusion Lion Dance performance that blended traditional and contemporary styles in such a fun and engaging way.
One of the things I appreciate most about Passport DC is how accessible and interactive the experiences are for families. Events like Around the World Embassy Tour encourage curiosity, cultural appreciation, and meaningful conversations while allowing kids to experience the world without ever leaving the DMV.
Throughout the month of May, Passport DC offers countless opportunities to connect with cultures from around the globe through embassy tours, performances, festivals, and educational programming across the city. Be sure to explore the full lineup of events and consider adding it to your family’s spring traditions.
Keep the Learning Going at Home
Did you know PBS KIDS has a World Cultures Collectionof resources to keep the exploration of food, folktales and other aspects of cultural heritage going at home?
● Watch & Learn: Explore short clips of dance, music, art, storytelling & more through the World Cultures Collection.
● Parents Guide: Learn how to explore new-to-you cultures with Let’s Go Luna!
● For AANHPI Month: May is Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month! Watch this collection of short clips and full episodes that celebrate their history and cultures.
For even more ways to explore culture in your own backyard, visit 4DMV Kids for curated lists of local events and family-friendly activities, and continue exploring educational resources and stories with WHUT to keep the learning going all month long and beyond.