The 2016 Smithsonian Folklife Festival began on June 29 with a ceremony in the Smithsonian’s newly reopened Arts and Industries Building. Between music and dance performances by artists from the Basque: Innovation by Culture and Sounds of California programs, representatives from the Smithsonian, Congress, the National Park Service, and our partners welcomed participants and visitors to the National Mall.

See the full opening ceremony.

Videography: Albert Tong, Helen Lehrer, Ryan Shank, W.N. McNair
Editing: Helen Lehrer