The Capital Region’s most anticipated event celebrates its centennial in the spring of 2012. Back in 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gave the city of Washington, DC 3,000 cherry trees to honour the friendship between the United States and Japan.
Today, the pink-and-white blooms are one of the area’s most beloved sights. And the National Cherry Blossom Festival is the region’s most popular event, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
For the festival’s 100th anniversary, the event has been expanded to a five-week spectacular that will run from March 20th to April 27th. With its cultural roots, it’s no surprise this international event goes beyond blossoms – there are music and dance performances, special exhibits, parades, street festivals and more. Here are some of the most fun and photo-worthy festival experiences:
See the famous flowering trees with a stroll along Independence Avenue, along the Tidal Basin to the Jefferson Memorial or take a free tour with a guide who will recount the history of how the trees came to Washington, DC. To enjoy the view from the water, rent paddle boats at the Tidal Basin. There are also Potomac River cruises that offer stunning views of the monuments and cherry trees.
Take your pick from hundreds of international cultural performances. Highlights include a star-studded show of music and dance at the Opening Ceremony, daily performances of theatre, dance and martial arts at the Sylvan Stage on the Mall and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. This popular festival-within-a-festival, the largest Japanese cultural festival in the United States, takes place on Saturday, April 14th and features food, music, martial arts demonstrations and more.
Throughout the festival, visitors will be able to feast on foods that celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Restaurants serve creative cherry-infused cocktails, appetisers and main courses, and they decorate plates and glasses with blossoms. Multi-course menus inspired by the festival pay tribute to America’s friendship with Japan.
From a photo safari to special museum exhibits, the festival features activities for kids of all ages. Two of the most popular events for children are Family Days and the Blossom Kite Festival. Family Days at the National Building Museum takes place March 24th-25th and includes hands-on activities like origami and calligraphy that allow children to explore Japanese art and design. The Blossom Kite Festival, which takes place March 31st, showcases creative kite makers and hosts competitions where fliers show off their sky-high tricks.
Clearly spring is in the air during the festival, but so is love. There are a variety of ways to enjoy the blooms together. By day, picnic under the trees with a special cherry-inspired basket from a local restaurant. By night, watch fireworks illuminate the sky during the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival.