The folk cultures of Haiti, Latin music and Mid-Atlantic maritime communities were celebrated on the National Mall on June 23-27 and June 30-July 4 as part of the 38th annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival.
Visitors could learn about and experience aspects of the cultures by listening to music and storytellers, observing instrument makers, boat builders, artists and other craftsmen, practicing dances, like the salsa, and sampling traditional foods.
In this photograph, a blacksmith is explaining the technique and purpose of her trade as part of the Mid-Atlantic maritime communities.
Also on the Mall, a marketplace sold jewelry, clothing and other items produced by the festival's artisans.
The festival, which celebrates different cultures each year, usually attracts about 1 million visitors annually, according to the Smithsonian.
Admission was free.
