March and early April mark the beginning of the cherry blossom season. As the season begins, there are many new activities in the D.C. metro area, including the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Over 1.5 million people visit the Tidal Basin where 3,800 Cherry Blossom trees are planted.
The Yoshino Cherry tree was gifted to the U.S. by Japan in 1912 to strengthen a friendship between the two countries. The cherry blossoms hold very deep roots in Japanese culture symbolizing renewal, impermanence, and beauty. The trees are now a staple in the D.C area, creating a legacy like no other in the U.S.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival located throughout D.C. is a celebration of the U.S. and Japan’s friendship, with lots of entertainment, from shows to musical performances. The festival presents a rich blend of Japanese and American cultural performances that include Taiko drumming, Japanese music and dance and martial arts demonstrations.
From Mar. 20th to Apr. 12th, there is a new activity each day stapled around the cherry blossoms. On Mar. 28th, there will be a Blossom Kite Festival and an Annual Nation Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk. The Kite Festival will be held on the Washington Monument grounds that is open to the general public.
“When I went down there, it was awesome to see the transformation from winter to spring, and seeing the blossoming of the trees that were donated to America from Japan,” Brent Roberson, assistant principal, said.
“My favorite part about the cherry blossoms is when you can see a bunch of people hanging out with their families around all the beautiful trees and making memories and taking pictures,” Charlotte Correll, junior, said.
The cherry blossoms this season are predicted to be in peak bloom between Mar. 29th and Apr. 1st. Currently, the cherry blossoms are at stage four out of six in their growth phase meaning they have not reached their full bloom yet.
“It made me really excited for spring, and everything that happens in spring. I love the color of the cherry blossoms, because pink is my favorite color,” Valen Hanson, senior, said.
