This was the year Washington started with three pandas and ended with none. A year that spanned from hazy summer days (thanks, Canada) to late-fall winds buoying the inflatable version of an expelled congressman. And, as usual, the city was the backdrop to many a march, protest, and demonstration. Through it all, staff photographer Evy Mages was there capturing the year on her camera. Take a look at her visual diary of 2023.
January 4
A tour guide brings visitors through the Capitol.
January 25
Jill Biden’s inaugural attire joined The First Ladies Collection in the National Museum of American History.
January 29
Birders look to the sky at the National Mall.
February 24
A supporter at a candlelight vigil on the anniversary of Russia invading Ukraine.
March 5
CPAC attendees awaited former President Donald Trump’s arrival.
March 25
High-wire performer Philippe Petit performs at the National Building Museum.
May 16
A Maryland fan showed their love for Old Bay with a free tattoo ahead of Preakness.
July 4
The Fourth of July celebration at George Washington’s Mount Vernon featured a naturalization ceremony for 90 new citizens.
July 8
A smoky haze fell over DC after wildfires in Canada, and the air quality reached “Code Maroon,” the most hazardous.
August 3
Supporters and protestors gathered outside the DC Courthouse during Trump’s arraignment.
August 7
Beyoncé fans dressed up at FedEx Field for the Renaissance World Tour.
August 21
Panda Xiao Qi Ji celebrated his third birthday with a frozen fruit cake at the National Zoo.
August 26
Martin Luther King III, Al Sharpton, and others marched together at the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington.
August 29
Square dancing returns to Rock Creek Park for the first time since 2018.
September 29
Virginia residents Eric and Linda Oakes with Victoria, one of 4,000 beagles rescued last year from a facility in Cumberland.
October 25
A group of M3gans were spotted at the 36th annual High Heel Race in Dupont Circle.
November 8
Pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and Xiao Qi Ji leave the National Zoo. For the first time in 23 years, there are no pandas in Washington.
November 17
Ben’s Chili Bowl co-founder Virginia Ali at the U Street restaurant a month before her 90th birthday.
November 28
A 15-foot-tall inflatable version of expelled Congressman George Santos bounced in front of the Capitol.
December 7
About 750 Washington Post staffers staged a day-long strike.
December 13
Oprah Winfrey unveiled her life-size portrait, painted by Shawn Michael Warren, at the National Portrait Gallery.
December 18
Sandra Day O’Connor, the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, laid in repose in the court’s Great Hall.
