First Minister for Wales Rhodri Morgan was the honoured participant in the Smithsonian Folklife Festival during a visit to Washington. Wales is the featured nation at the 2009 Festival, which runs through 5 July.

This year's Festival explores the diversity of Wales' cultural life, from the strength of deep-rooted traditions through to its commitment to a sustainable future.

In his speech to the opening ceremony, First Minister for Wales Rhodri Morgan said:

'This Festival is a fantastic opportunity for Americans to learn earn more about Wales and its contemporary culture and traditions.

"Wales has a rich cultural heritage. For example, our national flag was officially recognised in 1959, but the dragon itself has been associated with Wales for centuries. Some say it's the world's oldest national flag that's in use today.

"But Wales is also on the path towards a future based around innovation and sustainability. Our use of green energy and practices make Wales a fantastic place to visit and do business."

Over one hundred individual practitioners, performers and presenters from Wales will participate in the Festival including fiddlers, harpists and pipers; book conservators; textile designers and weavers. Wales' use of green energy and sustainable building practices will also be demonstrated.

The Festival, an annual event run by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, celebrates the cultural traditions of communities from around the world. It takes place on the National Mall in Washington.

See the Smithsonian website for more information on the Folklife Festival.

You can also learn more about Wales on Wales.com.

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