The 2018 Smithsonian Folklife Festival featuring Armenia: Creating Home opened yesterday with a reception for an audience of international guests and dignitaries. The Festival showcases Armenia’s culture, music, art, food and wine. Last night’s opening reception was sponsored by the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) and the Armenia Tree Project (ATP). Guests from across the globe gathered at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival Director Sabrina Lynn Motley and Assembly President Carolyn Mugar acknowledged guests and welcomed them to the opening reception. Mugar thanked the Smithsonian for this monumental Festival, highlighted the accomplishments of Armenia, and welcomed The Honorable Dr. Armen Sarkissian for his first official visit to the United States of America as President of the Republic of Armenia.
“Armenia is celebrating a milestone this year: 100 Years since a modern nation was formed and a quarter century of democracy and independence as a young nation,” Mugar said. “As we celebrate ‘Armenia: Creating Home,’ we celebrate Armenia’s music, art, food, wine and culture through the centuries. We are actually celebrating Armenia’s people, spirit, and genuine hospitality at home. In the life of the new nation, this is an exciting and important time for America and Americans to engage with Armenia and Armenians. I believe in direct tangible investment in Armenia, actually putting a shovel in the good earth. I believe in Armenia’s people, their many talents, their need to grow fruit and to make wine, and to promote a healthy environment abundant in trees and clean water. Please join me in this unique time to engage with Armenia’s most valuable resources, its hospitality, its home and its people,” she concluded.