Day two of the Folklife Festival ended with a welcome surprise of cross-culture.

This year at the Folklife Fest we celebrate the Basques,
Plus the sounds of California, in kimonos and in masks.
They’re telling stories, singing songs, and cooking fancy snacks,
And if you’re curious about them, all you have to do is ask!

The 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival began on June 29 with a ceremony in the Smithsonian’s newly reopened Arts and Industries Building.

A warm breezy day brought another round of cultural curiosities and explorations on the National Mall. It was our busiest day so far this year, with each tent—whether music, discussion, cheese making, or otherwise—continuously packed.

The shapes and colors of Jesus Maria Lazkano’s landscape paintings are familiar, but his mountains float, his water falls in squares, and his icebergs hang in mid-air.

What’s a typical day at the Folklife Festival?

When I was six years old, I took a modern dance class, and in the classroom next door was a traditional Irish step dance class. Thanks to his love of all things Irish, my father convinced me to join.

The Folklife Festival continued today with beautiful weather, energetic group dances, mouth-watering cooking demonstrations, and much more.

Basque sports are an integral part of Basque identity. Springing from the traditional activities of day-to-day farming and fishing life, the competitive nature of Basque people created a series of unique sports that test strength, speed, and endurance.

The 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival opened today with a tap on the tabla, as Salar Nader and Homayoun Sakhi kicked off the opening ceremony in the Arts and Industries Building.