AAFSW celebrates the 8th Winternational Embassy Showcase
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC) — Washington DC
On Thursday, December 5, 2019, many AAFSW members celebrated the 8th annual Winternational Embassy Showcase — the largest cultural global marketplace for embassies in the nation’s capital under one roof! This spectacular event took place at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (RRB/ITC).
Sixty-one embassies and over 5,000 visitors took part in the lively midday celebration of international culture, travel, tourism, and trade. The Secretary of State of the District of Columbia, Kimberly A. Bassett, delivered Mayor Muriel Bowser’s proclamation declaring December 5, 2019 as “Winternational Day” and Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Marie Royce provided keynote remarks highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy in U.S. foreign policy: “It provides vivid, compelling examples of openness, tolerance and creative expression as is so vibrantly displayed among today’s exhibitors.” 
The event, which showcased the arts, cuisine, trade, travel, and tourism of the 61 participating countries, brought together diplomats, embassy exhibitors, sponsors, special guests, and visitors from around the world. This year’s participating embassies included Afghanistan, African Union Mission, Armenia, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Bolivia, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Czech Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, European Union, Fiji, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts & Nevis, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Each embassy promoted their country and diverse communities through vibrant and interactive displays of visual art, food, handicrafts as well as travel and tourism exhibits. Items were available for purchase from the decorated embassy booths that spanned two of the largest event spaces at RRB/ITC. Many of the embassies offered delectable treats and traditional gifts for guests to enjoy and celebrate in the winter holiday spirit.
Jan Du Pain
AAFSW Associate Member