Nomad Dancers perform an Egyptian dance |
The free family festival was scheduled in conjunction with the National Geographic's latest exhibition 1001 Inventions: Discover the Golden Age of Muslim Civilization, which was named Best Touring Exhibition of the Year at the recent Museums and Heritage Excellence Awards.
While many families checked out the exhibition, others opted to head to a large indoor area featuring special creative activities for youngsters including frankincense burner painting, textile making, Arabic calligraphy, mosaic making, spire constructing competition, perfume making, and henna art. A special Sultan's Tent was set up where members of the DC public library read famous Arabian tales and children's stories. Still other families strolled the grounds, perusing Mideastern crafts for sale or creating impromptu picnics from Mideastern food items purchased at a series of food trucks parked nearby.
Reading in the Sultan's Tent |
Building, Arab style |
An impromptu family picnic |
After a short break, the Nomad Dancers, still in costume, returned to the stage and instructed about 30 youngsters and their parents in the basic hip-gyrating, slowly spinning movements of Mideastern dancing.
Tales, Tips, and Tidbits
Although the Family Fest was a one-day event, the 1001 Inventions exhibition will be on display until Feb. 3. To learn more about the exhibition, click here.
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