Date
Thursday
Mar
20

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Delight in the pink-clad spectacle of National Cherry Blossom Festival - singing, dancing, and the radiant beauty of springtime in full bloom!

Type
Week

Introduction

Brace yourself for the enchanting beauty of spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival on March 20th! This beautiful day emerged from a gift of approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees from the city of Tokyo to Washington D.C. nearly a century ago, as a symbol of friendship and peace. Each year since then, the blossoming of these strikingly beautiful trees has marked the arrival of spring and been celebrated with joyous festivities. These celebrations include singing, dancing, and a myriad of events that reflect the culture and spirit of both nations. This day is a time for us all to revel in the breathtaking beauty of nature in its full bloom and immerse ourselves in a magnificent spectacle of pink and white petals. Hurry up, let the season of renewal begin!

National Cherry Blossom Festival Timeline

1912
Cherry Trees Gifted
Japan gifts approximately 3,000 cherry blossom trees to Washington D.C., symbolizing friendship and peace.
1935
First Cherry Blossom Festival
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is organized and celebrated for the first time. This event marked the commencement of the annual spring celebration.
1994
Festival Expansion
The festival is expanded to two weeks to accommodate the numerous activities planned and increased visitor interest.
2000
Cherry Tree Replacement Program
With help from Japan, a cherry tree replacement program begins to preserve the aging trees and maintain the vitality of the Tidal Basin area.
2012
Centennial Celebration
The National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the centennial of the gift of trees with a five-week celebration including over 200 performances and exhibits.
2020
Virtual Celebrations
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival offered virtual tours and events, allowing global audiences to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms from home.

How to Celebrate National Cherry Blossom Festival

1

Attend the parade and street festival

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the festival by attending the annual parade and street festival. Enjoy the sight of floats adorned with cherry blossoms, traditional Japanese performances, and local culinary treats.

2

Participate in a photography contest

Capture the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom and submit your pictures to a photography contest. This can be a fun and creative way to engage with the festival and the beauty of spring.

3

Host a cherry blossom viewing party

If you can't make it to the festival itself, bring the festival home to you. Host a cherry-blossom viewing party in your own backyard. Decorate with pink and white flowers, serve traditional Japanese treats, and celebrate the arrival of spring with friends and family.

4

Take a guided walking tour

Join a guided tour around your town or city, particularly ones that have cherry blossoms. You’ll not only enjoy the beauty of these trees but also learn about their history, significance, and care.

5

Craft your own blossom arrangements

Collect fallen cherry blossom branches and arrange them into beautiful floral decorations for your home. It could be a fun activity that allows you to bring a part of the festival inside your house.

Why We Love National Cherry Blossom Festival

A

Celebration of Spring

National Cherry Blossom Festival marks the start of spring, a time for renewals, vibrant colors, and warm weather. It's a wonderful opportunity to say goodbye to winter and cheerfully welcome the new season with blossoms all around.

B

Cultural Exchange

The festival is a commemoration of the friendship between Japan and the United States. It offers an engaging platform for attendees to appreciate traditional Japanese performances, arts, and food, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and exchange.

C

Provides Fun Activities

From attending parades and street festivals to participating in photography contests, guided walking tours, and crafting blossom arrangements, the National Cherry Blossom Festival offers fun-filled activities for everyone to enjoy and immerse themselves in the spirit of the season.