Festivals!

As I've been thinking about vacation planning for this summer, I've also been thinking about how much I like to experience travel vicariously through cultural festivals. If I can't actually go to a country, then the next best thing is soaking up a little of that country's culture in the good ole U.S.A. :) I grew up going to Greek festivals in Memphis because my maternal grandfather is Greek and it was a fun way to learn about my heritage. And I've carried on the tradition as I've become an adult.

Since I've lived in the DC area, I've attended the Greek Festival at Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Church in DC several times (great food!), the Smithsonian Folklife Festival several times, the Baltimore Irish Festival, and the Virginia Scottish Games and Festival (where I snapped the picture above - the pipes and drums were fantastic!). Hopefully, this year I'll make it to the Caribbean Carnival in DC; I've heard that it can get a little wild but it's a great party. Any other suggestions for cultural festivals in the DC or Baltimore area? I don't want to miss out on anything :)