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Media Contact: Michelle Cragle, 202.638.8368 mcragle@culturaltourismdc.org

Cultural Tourism DC Presents the Seventh Annual Passport DCMay 2014 Journey the Globe with Embassy Open Houses, Street Festivals, Performances and Exhibitions
Washington, DC (April 7, 2014)Cultural Tourism DC presents the seventh annual Passport DCa monthlong celebration in May comprising international programs and events around the city. Visitors and residents have the opportunity to travel around the world without ever leaving the District with tours at more than 70 embassies and hundreds of other international cultural activities that include street festivals, performances and exhibitions. Passport DC is a profound way for people to learn by experience. It provides a unique opportunity for people to compare and discover the similarities among nations across the globe with their art, dance, music, textiles, food and so much more. As a young man, I had the opportunity to travel internationally and those experiences inform my actions today. Passport DC is the next best thing to international traveland because you never leave DCtheres no jet lag, said Cultural Tourism DC Executive Director Steve Shulman. SIGNATURE EVENTS Around the World Embassy Tour Saturday, May 3, 2014 10 am to 4 pm www.CulturalTourismDC.org More than 50 embassies representing six continents invite DC visitors and residents to travel the world as they enjoy the culture of different countries. Visitors can experience the countys food, art, dance and music, including Capoeira demonstrations, Tango lessons, henna applications, Ceylong tea tastings, Thai massages and Dominican rum tastings. Shortcut to Europe: European Union Embassies Open House Saturday, May 10, 2014 10 am to 4 pm www.EUOpenHouse.org The European Union Delegation to the U.S. and the 28 embassies of the EU Member States invite visitors to experience the authentic music, dance, food, film, and art of these distinctive nations. The complete list of the 28 participating embassies is available online. -more-

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Embassy Chef Challenge Thursday, May 15, 2014 6 pm to 9:30 pm Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center www.CulturalTourismDC.org Cultural Tourism DC's annual fundraiser gives you access to one of DC's best-kept secrets: world-class embassy chefs. More than a dozen world-class embassy chefs present small plates of their countrys signature delicacies and battle in DCs Premier International Culinary Competition. A panel of celebrity chefs and food critics select the winner of the Judge's Choice Award, while guests cast a ballot for the People's Choice winner. Rounding out the evening is a live and silent auction, featuring world-class items steeped in international flavor, including private embassy experiences. National Asian Heritage Festival Fiesta Asia Street Fair Saturday, May 17, 2014 10 am to 7 pm www.AsiaHeritageFoundation.org Fiesta Asia Street Fair features more than 1000 performers on five stages representing more than 20 cultures. Attendees can experience Pan-Asian cuisine, a shopping bazaar, kid-friendly, interactive activities, a talent competition, a parade, Bollywood street dancing, and traditional and contemporary Asian crafts. The festival is held on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 6th streets, NW. International Programming Cultural Tourism DCs affiliates present internationally-themed programs throughout May. Visit http://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/international-programming for a complete listing. LINKS Event website: CulturalTourismDC.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/CulturalTourismDC Twitter: www.twitter.com/dcculture Hashtags: #PassportDC and #EmbassyChef PASSPORT DC SPONSORS: Events DC, Destination DC, The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, The Coca-Cola Company, Booz Allen Hamilton, U.S Chamber of Commerce, JBG Companies, Citi Open ###
Cultural Tourism DC (CTDC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, develops and delivers authentic Washington DC experiences that provide people with opportunities to learn about the Districts neighborhoods, by walking along the DC Neighborhood Heritage Trails, the international diplomatic community via Passport DC, and DCs arts and culture during Art4All DC, a showcase for CTDCs more than 200 Affiliates. Learning extends to CTDCs annual fundraising activity, Embassy Chef Challenge, a tribute to international cuisine. Through these programs, CTDC encourages residents and visitors to explore the city, propel the communitys economic prosperity, and to become civically engaged.