Washington DC Information

The marshy swamp where Washington DC now stands was originally chosen as the site of the capital of the newly independent United States of America says a lot about the then prevalent attitude towards the government. Washington, District of Columbia (the boundaries of the two are identical) - also known as "DC" and "The District" - can be unbearably hot and humid in summer and bitterly cold in winter. Such an unpleasant climate, it was hoped, would discourage elected leaders from making government a full-time job.

Other than the federal government, tourism is Washington DC's biggest industry. The city attracts almost 20 million visitors each year. Conveniently most come in summer when most of the lawmakers have gone home, so there is rarely overcrowding.

Regular features on the calendar in Washington include the beloved Cherry Blossom Festival in March-April and the Smithsonian's Folk life Festival in June. Independence Day is a grand event, including a troops parade, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, concerts and fireworks over the Potomac. Other highlights include Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday in January when speakers recite King's "I have a dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial; the Smithsonian Kite Festival, late March, when kite designers and flyers gather on the Mall for this rite of spring; April's White House Easter Egg Roll, which the First Lady hosts for children aged 3 to 6.

In September, Adams-Morgan Day is a raging block party with global music, food and crafts along and around 18th St NW and Columbia Road. This is also the month for the National Frisbee Festival and the DC Blues Festival. On the second Thursday in December, the President illuminates the national Christmas tree and lights a menorah on the Ellipse.