One of Washington, D.C.'s most popular annual festivals kicks off on June 24, bringing the world's myriad cultures together to a beautiful outdoor venue on the National Mall for two weeks of fun and cultural exchange. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival celebrates traditions from across the country and around the globe, giving visitors an opportunity to experience several continents' worth of art, dance, music, fashion, and cuisine in one afternoon. Now in its 42nd year, the 2009 festival will be one of the biggest yet, with one million visitors expected to converge on the capital to learn about the three main groups represented this year. The Giving Voice program celebrates the power of words in African-American culture with theater, poetry, storytelling, and humor and will feature Ella Jenkins, also known as the "First Lady of Children's Music"(see video). Las Américas, meanwhile, highlights music in Latino culture with performers representing the musical traditions of Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela. The Wales Smithsonian Cymru brings a Welsh village to life by sharing occupational skills, including clog making, with cooking, language, and literature. Fans of obscure musical instruments will appreciate a demonstration of the the ancient sounds of the crwth and pibgorn, string and reed instruments that have provided the soundtrack to the Welsh way of life for centuries. Whatever your interests, this eclectic festival represents a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with other cultures while remaining comfortably ensconced in the nation's capital. Starwood has hotels throughout Washington, D.C., including the Westin Washington, D.C. City Center.