[caption id=”attachment_2851" align=”aligncenter” width=”491" caption=”The cherry blossoms were in full bloom almost a week early this year due to warm weather. Photo by Nancy Pham”]
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History
Each year, millions of tourists visit the nation’s capital to admire the blossoming pink cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin and to attend events that celebrate the beginning of spring at the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The annual festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington, D.C. A first batch of cherry trees arrived in 1910 diseased, but that did not discourage the United States or Japan. Over the years, the cherry trees have become a symbol of honor and lasting friendship between the two countries and their continuing relationship into the future.
Today, the cherry trees have expanded to approximately 3,750 trees of 16 varieties. In fact, 100 of the original 1912 trees still exist, according to Communications Manager Danielle Piacente.
100th Anniversary
Nearly a century later, the cherry trees have withstood the test of time. During a five-week “once-in-a-lifetime” celebration from March 20 to April 27, the nation’s capital will be filled with exhibitions, traditions, culture, artists and performers from all over the world.
“We are hoping [the celebration] tells a story of how this gift of trees has become the nation’s greatest spring time celebration,” Communications Manager Danielle Piacente said. “Not many gifts last 100 years. It’s a true testament of peace and international friendship.”
The cherry trees are in bloom for as long as 14 days. Because of unseasonably warm weather this year, the cherry blossoms began blooming as early as March 18 and peaked on March 20, according to the National Park Services.
The opening ceremony on March 25, which was stand-alone for the first time, launched the centennial celebration. Local and national entertainment from American songwriter Sara Bareilles to one of Japan’s most popular female R&B pop star, MISIA, to the Washington Ballet filled the Walter E. Washington Convention Center as guests experienced the story of the gift of trees through these performances.
Highlights
Throughout the celebration, some of the best signature events will take place in April.
“For a city such as Washington, D.C. that already has such history and meaning, the cherry blossoms seem like an additional characteristic that makes this celebration so attractive to residents, as well as to tourists,” said Christa Ursini, a senior marketing and studio art double major. “The cherry blossom festival and events are something you don’t want to miss.”
Whether one is young or old, the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s events are bound to be a learning experience for all ages. With more than 150 daily cultural performances to choose from, tourists will not leave without seeing a glimpse of traditional and contemporary arts and culture, natural beauty and community spirit.
March 20 — PINK TIE PARTY
Culinary community innovators Chefs Jose Andres and Roy Yamaguchi hosted the Pink Tie Party on March 20 at the Mayflower Renaissance. A pink tie and spring style were required. That night, no one left hungry as metro-area chefs had everyone tasting spring, cherry and blossom-inspired cuisine and cocktails. Along with the fabulous food, an auction spectacular contributed to the festival’s fundraising efforts.
March 31 — BLOSSOM KITE FESTIVAL
Adults and children were blown away at the Blossom Kite Festival on March 31. Kite makers competed and demonstrated their creative masterpieces at the Washington Monument grounds. Kite makers showed off their tricks and coached participants throughout the event. “This is a very family friendly event,” Piacente said.
Upcoming Events
April 7 — FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
Watch the night sky light up with Japanese fireworks from Nagaoka, Japan at the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival. With three stages featuring live music and family-friendly events, visitors are sure to end their day with a bang.
April 14 — PARADE
Enjoy one of the most exciting traditions of the National Cherry Blossom Festival — the parade along Constitution Avenue. Journalist Katie Couric will host this nationally televised event on WJLA-ABC7 and NewsChannel8.
Marching bands and performers, who have prepared for this event months in advance, will showcase their talent alongside lavish floats and balloons.
When recollecting her performance in the parade with her high school marching band a few years ago, sophomore mechanical engineering major Megan Frey stated that Constitutional Avenue was absolutely beautiful and filled with so many floats and all different kinds of themes and music.
April 14 — JAPANESE STREET FESTIVAL
The 52nd annual Sakura Matsuri is the largest Japanese cultural festival in the U.S. Presented by the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C., the event will feature performing artists such as singer Takako Shirai and hip-hop martial arts group Orientarhythm. Don’t forget to stop by the Kirin Beer Gardens and the Hakutsuru Sake Tasting Pavilion at the Taste of Japan where eventgoers can enjoy cultural food from 25 different Japanese and Asian restaurants.
From adults to children, there’s something for everyone at Sakura Matsuri. The festival takes place on 12th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free.
Japan Relief Efforts
The festival encourages participants and supporters to donate to Japan relief efforts in return for its gift of trees and lasting friendship. The American Red Cross has a microsite with the National Cherry Blossom Festival directly benefiting the Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund, and a portion of the festival’s online auction is designated to this fund.
