Diplomatic Décembre: A Spotlight on Global Gatherings

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Event Highlight: District's Holiday Boat Parade (December 2^nd )

As we trudged through L’Enfant Plaza, we could hear it in the distance. A rumbling of sounds and music. The sky was lit up with beams of light coming from the general direction of the Wharf. We joined the rest of the growing crowd as we walked down. It was packed with a massive amount of people here for the annual District’s Holiday Boat Parade.

We wanted to get good seats for the 60+ boats that were supposed to come through with their holiday decorations on the District Pier. However, that plan was quickly ruined when we saw the writhing mass of bodies bobbing up and down to the live music that was already playing. Standing tall and defiant, the Wharf’s Christmas tree towered over everybody with two nutcrackers standing guard with intimidating trumpets.

We settled in between the District Pier and ice skating rink to get a good look at the boats coming through. According to the map, they were supposed to loop around past us which is why we chose the space tactfully. The boat show started at 7:00pm with every boat having a different theme. Audiences saw a tropical-themed Christmas all the way to Jimmy Buffet themed boats. An announcer from NBC Channel 4 DC was commenting on the themes as well as enticing the captains of the boats to give quick speeches.

The apex of the event was at 8:00pm with the fireworks salute. It was an incredible symphony of colors and patterns being blasted into the sky. In the final 5 minutes of the show, they unleashed a torrent of fireworks with such ferocity we went partially deaf. In addition, something happened and it started a fire on the fireworks boat which was quickly put out. What an evening!

Looking Ahead! 👀 

1. Film Screening: "La Bûche" (Tuesday, December 12^th , 7PM - 9PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us at the French Embassy for a deliciously festive evening of gastronomy, film, and holiday cheer as we screen "La Bûche"!

   • Host Organization: Villa Albertine Washington DC

2. MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays (Wednesday, December 13^th , 12PM - 2PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Drop in any time and take home your creations: super size snowflakes, sustainable gift wrap, greeting cards, and more!

   • Host Organization: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

3. The Climate Crisis and Gender: Regional, National & Local Approaches (Thursday, December 14^th, 10AM - 11:15AM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Exploring what action is required to strengthen approaches to address the gendered dimensions and impact of climate insecurity.

   • Host Organization: The Stimson Center

4. British Christmas Luncheon With The Ambassador (Friday, December 15^th , 12PM - 3PM) ($203.42+)

   • Description: On the occasion of the British American Business Association's 27th Annual Christmas Luncheon, you are invited to a special opportunity to join them at the Fairmont Hotel for a Holiday luncheon.

   • Host Organization: Mer Events

5. Ukrainian Music, Dinner, & Dance Soiree with Live Music by Gerdan (Friday, December 15^th , 6:30PM - 9:30PM) ($71.21 - $81.88)

   • Description: Join us for an elegant evening of Ukrainian culture, music, dinner, and dance with Live Music by Gerdan featuring Grammy winning Dr. Andrei Pidkivka.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

6. The French Church Holiday Concert (Saturday, December 16^th , 6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Two choirs (classical & gospel), talented musicians and Opera singers to bring you the joy of the season at the French Church! French refreshments at the end!

   • Host Organization: The French Church

International Events List (December 4^th - December 10^th )

Check out the following international embassy and cultural events happening from Monday, December 4^th until Sunday, December 10^th .

Monday, December 4^th , 2023

1. 75 Years of Human Rights Lecture (9:30AM - 12PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: How far have we come and what needs to be done? Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

   • Host Organization: Johns Hopkins Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

2. Sovereigns of the Sea: Omani Ambition in the Age of Empire (2PM - 3:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Book Description: The Sigur Center invites you to join us for a Book Talk on the Omani Sultans and how they competed against Europeans over the Indian Ocean.

   • Host Organization: Sigur Center for Asian Studies at GW

3. Atlas Presents Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra: A Bohemian Christmas 2023 (8PM - 10PM) ($30)

   • Description: Celebrate the holidays with performances of cool classics by Shorty Rogers, Thad Jones, Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn, Stan Kenton, and a handful of arrangements by BCJO Ghosts of Christmas Past

   • Host Organization: The Atlas Performing Arts

Tuesday, December 5^th , 2023

1. A Conversation with H.E. Catalina Crespo-Sancho, Ambassador of Costa Rica (6PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The International Student House of Washington, DC is delighted to welcome Her Excellency Catalina Crespo Sancho, Ambassador of Costa Rica to the United States, to the Ella Burling "Great Hall" for an engaging conversation on Costa Rica foreign policy and U.S.-Costa RIca relations.

   • Host Organization: International Student House

2. Holiday Display Unveiling Night (6PM - 7:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: On Tuesday, December 5 from 6-7:30pm, the community is invited to Adams Morgan as we unveil our neighborhood’s newest interactive illuminated holiday display underneath a snow-filled sky- the perfect place to take selfies or pose for a holiday card.

   • Host Organization: Adams Morgan BID

3. Qazaq Concert Performance (6:30PM - 9:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Experience the Melodies of Kazakhstan in DC at the Qazaq Concert and dive into the heart of Kazakh culture for an exciting evening of music.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Kazakhstan

4. Embassy of Australia Lecture: Callum Morton (10AM - 12PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: To celebrate the opening of the new Embassy of Australia in Washington, DC and our new artworks, we look forward to presenting AUSTALKS with Callum Morton.  Callum will present his talk, The Hidden - a discussion of 'Bull', his public sculpture outside the Embassy, and its relation to his broader artistic practice.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Australia

Wednesday, December 6^th , 2023

1. Holiday Market at The Festival Center (11AM - 6PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join us for a heartwarming journey into the holiday spirit at the Festival Center’s Holiday Market, a magical event that will infuse your soul with warmth and delight.

   • Host Organization: The Festival Center

2. MoCA on the Move: Handcrafted Holidays (12PM - 2PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Drop in any time and take home your creations: super size snowflakes, sustainable gift wrap, greeting cards, and more!

   • Host Organization: Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington

3. In Biblioteca in Italiano - December Meeting (4:30PM - 6PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Story telling on Italian books for young readers (ages 4 through 10). This month's encounter is dedicated to the winter season.

   • Host Organization: Italian Cultural Institute

4. Screening of "Noirs en France" and Q&A with Alain Mabanckou (7PM - 10:30PM) ($5 - $10)

   • Description: Join us at the French Embassy for a film screening of "Noirs en France" and a Q&A with franco-congolese novelist Alain Mabanckou.

   • Host Organization: Villa Albertine Washington DC

5. Tango and Champagne Soiree: Argentine Tango Lessons and Dance Soiree (7PM - 9:30PM) ($32.78)

   • Description: Join us on your own or with friends to enjoy an evening of champagne and Argentine Tango dancing with lessons at the Gallery at the Ven at Embassy Row, in the heart of DuPont Circle

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

6. Power, Performance, and Legitimacy: Renewing Global Democratic Momentum (5:30PM - 7:45PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The 2023 Seymour Martin Lipset Lecture on Democracy in the World will feature Larry Diamond on "Power, Performance, and Legitimacy: Renewing Global Democratic Momentum."

   • Host Organization: International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy

Thursday, December 7^th , 2023

1. Coffee & Collections: The Old Days of the New Thing (11AM - 12PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Discover the museum's extensive collection of art and artifacts from this iconic 1960s/‘70s center for Black arts and culture.

   • Host Organization: Smithsonian's Anacostia Community Museum

2. National Menorah 2023 (3PM - 6PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Perhaps the most prominent public Chanukah program in the world is the annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah on the Ellipse, just across from the White House in Washington, DC.

   • Host Organization: American Friends of Lubavitch (Chabad)

3. A Night at the Embassy of Botswana - Safari and Diamonds in The Skies (6PM - 9PM) ($89.94)

   • Description: You are cordially invited to join us at the Embassy of Botswana for a night filled with fun and information on the country's culture, economy, business and tourism

   • Host Organization: Mer Events

4. Winter is Coming: 3rd Annual Skate with Switzerland! (4:30PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Join the Embassy as we spread some Swiss holiday cheer and "Skate with Switzerland" at Washington Harbour!

   • Host Organization: Embassy of Switzerland in the USA

5. Annual Norwegian Christmas Tree Lighting (6PM - 8PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: On December 7, at 6:00 pm, a consortium of partners (The Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, NorCham, Washington Performing Arts, and Union Station, Washington, D.C.) will present the annual Norwegian Christmas tree.

   • Host Organization: Union Station/ Embassy of Norway

6. Culture Series: 90s Poetry Open Mic Scene (7PM - 8:30PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: This event will consist of a reading of poems by Kenny Carroll, Quique Aviles, Patrick Washington and Sami Miranda.

   • Host Organization: HumanitiesDC

7. Human Rights Day Film Screening and Discussion: "The Defenders" (6:15PM - 8:15PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Meet the lawyers striving to uphold basic rights in China in this documentary by China Change editor Yaxue Cao.

   • Host Organization: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

8. Holiday Evening with the Embassy of Ukraine (6:30PM - 9PM) ($94.71)

   • Description: Tonight, we welcome you to the Ukraine House for a special evening of culture and an opportunity to support for the people of Ukraine.

   • Host Organization: Embassy Experiences

Friday, December 8^th , 2023

1. Walking Tour: Cultural Heritage of Black Broadway with Author Briana Thomas (2PM - 4PM) ($44.06)

   • Description: Welcome to Black Broadway! Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month and explore the musical and cultural heritage of Washington's Greater U Street.

   • Host Organization: Private company

2. Annual Christmas Gala (7PM - 10PM) ($161.90)

   • Description: Our annual Christmas Gala returns to the Embassy of Slovakia for an encore performance by the New York Virtuosi.

   • Host Organization: Embassy Experiences

Saturday, December 9^th , 2023

1. Visit the Museum of the Bible in DC with Christian Authors on Tour (10AM - 4PM) ($21.04)

   • Description: This daylong, Christian book event is for readers of all ages. It has a Christmas theme and includes panel discussions with various Christian authors and Story Time for Little Readers facilitated by Christian children's book authors!

   • Host Organization: Private company

2. Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca (4PM - 5:30PM) ($30 - $35)

   • Description: Come celebrate the Holidays with us! Create a new tradition celebrating the holidays the Spanish way.

   • Host Organization: Atlas Performing Arts Center

3. Saturday Holiday Market at Metrobar (12PM - 5PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Visit metrobar for a holiday art market - and get your photo taken with Santa Claus!

   • Host Organization: Metrobar

4. 2023 Sol Azteca Awards (6PM - 10PM) ($49.81 - $81.83)

   • Description: These Awards aim to recognize Mexicans in the DMV region, whose activities promote Mexico in the US, and support Mexican communities

   • Host Organization: Mexican Cultural Institute (MCI)

5. A Night in Havana - Dance to Latin Band After Salsa Lessons (7PM - 10PM) ($28.52 - $39.19)

   • Description: Experience a Night in Havana to the sounds of a Latin band performing music for a night of dancing and socializing with salsa lessons offered at the beginning.

   • Host Organization: International Club of DC

6. Atlas Presents Navidad Flamenca (7PM - 8:30PM) ($30 - $35)

   • Description: Come celebrate the Holidays with us! Create a new tradition celebrating the holidays the Spanish way.

   • Host Organization: Atlas Performing Arts Center

7. Helicon: Winter Solstice Performance (7:30PM - 9:30PM) ($14)

   • Description: As the snowflakes swirl, so do the rhythms of Celtic dance music, warming the heart and lifting the spirits.

   • Host Organization: Dumbarton Arts & Education

Sunday, December 10^th , 2023

1. Yoga and Crystal Bowl Sound Bath at National Building Museum (9AM - 10AM) ($35.88)

   • Description: Join us for yoga at DC's National Building Museum, featuring an all-level yoga flow led by instructor Beth Wolfe, accompanied by a sound bath led by Mel of Beyond Yoga, a yoga teacher certified in crystal alchemy sound healing.

   • Host Organization: Private company.

2. Romanian Christmas Concert (11AM - 1PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: The Embassy of Romania to the United States of America invites you at a Romanian Christmas Concert featuring the Atlanta Romanian Seventh-Day Adventist Church Choir.

   • Host Organization: National Press Club

3. Holiday Afternoon Tea Etiquette Class (1PM - 4PM) ($168.30)

   • Description: Learn the art of sipping tea with finesse and elegance, while indulging in a delightful afternoon filled with holiday cheer and scrumptious.

   • Host Organization: Private company.

4. A Midwinter Feast (3PM - 3:45PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Celebrate the holidays with ModernMedieval Voices and a collection of seasonal music spanning the last 800 years

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

5. A Midwinter Feast (1PM - 1:45PM) (FREE!)

   • Description: Celebrate the holidays with ModernMedieval Voices and a collection of seasonal music spanning the last 800 years.

   • Host Organization: National Gallery of Art

6. Embassy Row Chocolate Tour: Special Holiday Guided Tour (12PM - 2PM) ($42.25)

   • Description: Travel the world - in under two hours! Today, we'll explore one of the most culturally fascinating areas of Washington, D.C. - Embassy Row.

   • Host Organization: Embassy Experiences

Rate Issue No.42!

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