The 2016 Folklife Festival ended today with whip cracks, a mass dance to accordion melodies, and last-minute lemonade and taco runs. We sincerely thank all of our participants from the Basque country, California, and across the United States, our many volunteers and interns, and all of you for helping make this year a success.
Take a look back at some highlights from our closing day. Share your own captures in our Flickr pool and with #2016Folklife.
The morning began with a group photo of all the Basque participants. Tomorrow they fly home! Photo by Francisco Guerra, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
While waiting to take the group photo, several Basque participants joined in a friendly round of pilota Folklife video producer Albert Tong joined in. Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
DJ Phatrick was super stoked to demonstrate his beat making skills by remixed a recording of fellow Sounds of California participant Low Leaf. Photo by Charlotte Krohn, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
PRODISO left their espadrille tent to show off their products in the Festival Marketplace. Photo by Charlotte Krohn, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
Alex Vásquez worked one last day on this diablo mask, which started as a solid cube of wood at the beginning of the Festival. The mask will be donated to the Smithsonian. Photo by Caroline Angelo, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
One last pintxo for the road. This one prepared in the Ostatua Kitchen contained pickled onion, tuna, and roasted red pepper on baguette. Photo by Caroline Angelo, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
The Salt Valley of Añana Foundation hosted their last salt tasting session inside the Arts and Industries Building. Ever heard of wine-flavored salt? Photo by Caroline Angelo, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
Aukeran closed out the Arts and Industries Stage with their brand of contemporary Basque dance. Photo by Caroline Angelo, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
Grupo Nuu Yuku got suited up one last time for the danza de los diablos in their scarves, masks, suits, chivarras (goat hair chaps), and cowboy boots. Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
The Basque diaspora dance groups from California, Nevada, and Wyoming corralled the crowd for a final dance-along on the National Mall. Photo by Josh Weilepp, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives
We’re already preparing for the 2017 Folklife Festival featuring programs on Circus Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows, and more to be announced. As our 50th anniversary Festival, we have big plans in store. Mark your future calendars for June 29 to July 4 and July 6 to 9.
There are many more stories, interviews, videos, recorded songs, and reflections to share, so please stay tuned to the Festival Blog. As we like to say, the Festival never ends!
Elisa Hough is the editor for the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, and now she is going to sleep.
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