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The exterior of the Embassy of India. Photo by Molly McCluskey for Diplomatica Global Media.
Julia Dent Grant—First Lady, world traveler, devoted partner, and quiet trailblazer—stands among the most remarkable women in American history. Yet she remains curiously absent from the nation’s collective memory, her legacy overshadowed by the monumental events and personalities of her era. A fuller understanding of her life reveals not only the depth of her influence but also a little-known historical thread connecting her final years to India—and, by extension, to the broader story of South Asia’s relationship with the United States. At 2111 Massachusetts Avenue NW, where Julia Grant spent her final years, American and South Asian histories intersect in an unexpected and meaningful way.
Contributor C. Naseer Ahmad explores Grant’s legacy, and her connection to the Embassy of India, in Sunshine Across Continents on Diplomatica.
The lore, songs, and poetry of the holiday seasons in many parts of the world are full of metaphors and allegories of warmth, happiness, brightness, family, community, and home. Manifest those feelings into a beverage for the bright lights of holiday celebrations and the cold weather in which they are often held, and you get mulled spiced wine.
Contributor Andrew Donaldson takes us on a tour around the world to explore how different countries interpret this seasonal staple in Mulling the Holiday Spirits on Diplomatica.
Author Robert Edsel spoke of the tradition of Dutch adoption of American graves at the Netherlands Embassy. Photo by Diplomatica Global Media.
Great Reads from Around the World’s latest submission comes from the Embassy of the Netherlands. Robert Edsel’s new book, “Remember Us”, tells the story of the deep ties forged between the U.S. and the Netherlands in World War II, and the generations of Dutch citizens that have adopted the graves of American soldiers since. Edsel spoke at the Dutch Residence in a moving event co-organized with Stars and Stripes.
Contributer C. Naseer Ahmad reported from the event, and shared his own recent experience visiting the Netherlands, in Honoring History, Celebrating Friendship on Diplomatica.
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The Embassy of Norway’s annual holiday tree in Union Station greets visitors. Photo by Molly McCluskey for Diplomatica Global Media.
After a prolonged government shutdown cast holiday plans into question, Washington is roaring back to life with a series of seasonal festivities. From embassy parties to tree lightings to Zoo Lights, we’re embracing all December has to offer.
Sunday, December 7th, 2pm-3pm The Embassy of the Czech Republic will be hosting a gallery talk entitled Jan Svoboda & Jaroslav Beneš: Lenticular Poetry at the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center. Learn more.
Tuesday, December 9th, 11am - 4pm The Winternational Embassy Showcase returns to the Ronald Reagan Building to celebrate the cultural and culinary traditions of Washington’s diplomatic community. More than fifty embassies come together for a dynamic global marketplace featuring visual art, authentic cuisine, handcrafted goods, and insights into travel and tourism. Learn more.
Wednesday, December 10th, 7pm to 9pm The Embassy of France will host the world premiere of the documentary, Alone on a Secret Atoll, followed by a discussion with producer Antoine de Cazotte at La Maison Française.
Thursday, December 11th, 4:30pm to 8:30pm The Embassy of Switzerland will host a pop-up stand at the Washington Harbour Ice Rink from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to the Georgetown Waterfront for an evening suited to all ages. Guests can skate during the 5:00–6:30 p.m. and 7:00–8:30 p.m. sessions (tickets required), test their knowledge in Swiss Winter Trivia for a chance to win prizes, enjoy traditional Swiss holiday music, sample Swiss Christmas cookies, warm up with complimentary Swiss hot chocolate or cider, watch a skating performance, and take home a memory from the photo booth.
Honorable Mention: Zoo Lights are back and running through January 3. The longtime free event now requires paid tickets so book in advance. Parking not included, but the Zoo is well-served by bus and Metro. Learn more.
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