Washington DC Cherry Blossoms – Washington DC Cherry Blossom Parade

Washington DC is a city full of many wonders and historical landmarks. Among the most visually stunning events held in our nation’s capital is the Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival. The DC Cherry Blossom Festival originated from the March 27, 1912 gift of Cherry Blossoms from Japan to the United States. Mayor Ozaki of Tokyo gave the gift of Cherry Blossoms in an attempt to further the friendship between Japan and the United States.

On December 11, 1941 four Cherry Blossom Trees were cut down, it is believed that this was done as a sign of anger for the attack on Pearl Harbor four days earlier. To help prevent further acts of vandalism the trees were referred to as Oriental flowering Cherry tress, and the festival was suspended until the war’s end in 1947. Despite this momentary setback the festival has continued to thrive and is now a major attraction in Washington DC. In 1952 Japan requested help in restoring their own Cherry Blossom trees since they had suffered many losses during the war. Once again the Cherry Blossom tree served as a gesture of peace as the United States complied with their request. Showing further gestures of peace, Japan gave the United States a 300 year old stone lantern, this lantern’s lighting served as the formal start of the festival. The donation of the magnificent Mikimoto Pearl Crown is significant in that it is used in the coronation of the Festival Queen at the Grand Ball. It’s important to remember that all of the festivals and celebrations associated with the DC Cherry Blossom Festival originate from a gift meant to foster peace. Keeping this in mind will help people to realize the true spirit of the festival and recognize that the great beauty that is witnessed is inspired by a wish for peace. In 1965 Japan gave a further gift of 3,800 tress. The help celebrate the occasion first Lady Lady Bird Johnson and Ryuji Takeuchi, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, reenacted the original 1912 planting.

Today the DC Cherry Blossom Festival consists of two weeks of celebration that includes a multitude of events and activities. The festival start with a family day and an opening ceremony that is held in the National Building Museum. Other notable events include art exhibits, the Blossom Kite Festival, martial arts and dance demonstrations, and even a Rugy tournament. The numerous events are coordinated and overseen by the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Inc. The end of the DC Cherry Blossom Festival is marked by a parade down Constitution Avenue. During and after the parade the Sakura Matsuri Japanese cultural festival takes place. Starting in 2009 Cherry Blast was added as a part of the DC Cherry Blossom Festival. Cherry Blast has continued for the past several years and offers a more contemporary mix of entertainment for festival goers. Cherry Blast features art, dancing, and even live music.

Over the years the Cherry Blossoms have become a familiar part of the Washington DC landscape. The DC Cherry Blossom Festival is a remarkable two week event that celebrates the beauty of these trees, and the spirit of peace for which they were given to the United States. Although there have been times in our past when war has threatened to undermine the festival, it has returned and endured to become a national event celebrated by thousands of people. Hopefully in years to come visitors to the DC Cherry Blossom Festival will be able to enjoy the beauty of these trees and the many activities that are planned around their blossoming.  The DC Cherry Blossom Festival embodies the best qualities of our nation allowing people to come together to celebrate the beauty of the trees and the spirit of peace for which they stand. Since that initial gift the DC Cherry Blossoms have become a beautiful part of the city’s landscape and many thousands of people come to celebrate them at the DC Cherry Blossom Festival.

Anyone planning a visit to Washington DC during the DC Cherry Blossom Festival should make it a point to attend. The festival begins on the last Saturday of March, and lasts for two weeks. Over the years the DC Cherry Blossom Festival has undergone many changes slowly transforming it into the amazing event that it is today.

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