
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual celebration that commemorates the gift of three thousand cherry blossom trees to Washington, DC, in 1912. During this event, various activities and events take place for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms in the U.S. capital.
One of the standout varieties of cherry trees is the Kwanzan, named after a mountain in Japan. Although they account for only 13% of the total cherry blossoms, they are considered the second most common variety. These cherry trees bloom approximately one to three weeks after the Yoshino flowers. Additionally, the Pink Tie Party is one of the most anticipated events of this festival and takes place at Union Station Washington D.C.
During the celebration, visitors can enjoy various activities such as the Blossom Kite Festival, which features parades, music, and contests. The importance of capturing the perfect moments of the cherry blossoms is also highlighted, while avoiding damage to the trees by picking the flowers.
Another highlight of the festival is the Opening Ceremony, which celebrates the friendship between Japan and the United States through the gift of the cherry trees. Furthermore, visitors can indulge in the National Cherry Blossom Parade and enjoy the variety of events that the festival offers.