The Embassy Festival brought togetherness trough cultural diversity

On Saturday 3 September 2016, the free-accessible Embassy Festival took place at the Lange Voorhout in The Hague. Forty-three Embassies participated in this year’s festival, bringing a vibrant and versatile programme to the city, 35.000 people visited the festival.

More and more Embassies have found their way to the Embassy Festival, offering a diverse programme that grows every year.

For additional Roy Strik’s pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157675051434175

On three outdoor stages a variety of international acts performed. The musical programme of the fourth edition of the Embassy Festival was outstanding to say the least. The Australian ‘most celebrated Hammond artist’ Lachy Doley (AUS) has been compared to Jimi Hendrix in his home country and was one of the bands that performed on the Contemporary stage. Akua Naru (USA) whom critics compared to some of the greats, such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu was one of the highlights of the day. Other acts such as; Hudson Taylor (IRL), Shishani (NAM) and Sindicato Sonico (MEX), a unique combination of Orsi Burján the Pálinkálom with the Zoli Soós Vinsky Project (HON) completed the line-up of the Contemporary Stage.

Every year, the programme on the classical stage surprises the audience with breath-taking performances. Opera, flamenco, piano recitals, baroque music, it was all there. Embassy Festival’s Classical Stage brought classical music to the ears of anyone ready to listen. Acclaimed by the New York Times for her ‘expressive, poignant, clear voice and admirable stylistic facility’, soprano Elodie Fonnard (FRA) brought classical pieces from the Baroque scene. Anna Stegmann (DUI) presented music of Eyck’s’s Der Fluyten Lushof, one of the richest collections from the 17th century. The rest of the classical programme included; Paula Perez (violin) and Alma Barroca (ESP, ITA, NLD), Aldona Bartnik (POL), Susanne Herre (DUI), Maria Marin (ESP) and pianist Eva Szalai (HON).

The International Market of the Embassy Festival offered visitors a variety of culinary delights and cultural surprises presented in the various country pavilions. Visitors enjoyed the wealth of typical and delicious international cuisine and beverages. Phad Tai from Thailand, dates from Saudi Arabia, Raspao from Panama, Bauyirsak from Kazakhstan and much more. With this cultural richness concentrated on 500 metres, the festival set an important social statement; cultural diversity brings atmosphere and togetherness.

The fifth annual Embassy Festival will take place next year on Saturday, 2 September. Participation in the Embassy Festival is very rewarding and easy to arrange. If your embassy is interested in getting involved, please let us know by contacting Carly Dutton at 070-3606033 or embassyfestival@prooost.nl.

Embassies involved in the 2016 edition of the Embassy Festival: Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Ukraine, Palestinian Mission, Philippines, Poland, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sudan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam, South Africa.

Diplomat Magazine is honored of having sponsored this magnificent event, we are looking forward to see you again in 2017.