Spring has sprung, and cherry blossoms are blooming across the country. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is in full swing in Washington, D.C., attracting tourists from all over the world.
A Cherry Blossom Timeline
Cherry blossoms began blooming in mid-March this year, with unusually high winter temperatures prompting an early spring. This marks the second-earliest peak bloom in the history of the National Cherry Blossom Festival..
Peak bloom is the best time to see the blossoms, often occurring during the last week of March or early April. As this year’s peak bloom occurred a few weeks early, many rushed to D.C. to experience the pink blossoms.
According to Park Services cherry blossoms usually go through a five-stage “bloom cycle,” which began unusually early this year. The bloom cycle is monitored by Park Services, who provide the public with a general timeline to help ensure they don’t miss the blossoms. With a rapidly warming climate, spring blooms are likely to keep arriving earlier each year.
A History of D.C.’s Cherry Blossoms
The cherry trees throughout Washington, D.C. were a gift from Japan in 1912, signifying friendship between the two countries. In Japan, the cherry blossom symbolizes both life and death, alongside beauty and violence. This token of friendship from Japan is one that has stood strong in the USA’s capital, the trees creating a rich culture within this area.
Originally requested by world traveler Mrs. Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore in 1885, the cherry trees were not planted until 1912 with the collaboration of the U.S. and Japanese governments. The first trees that were planted stood on what once was the Tidal Basin, but is now Independence Ave. SW.
The original trees are still alive and thriving in the same spot, likely to be under the current viewership of the thousands who have traveled to Washington, D.C. to experience this yearly festival.
Festival Events
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in Washington D.C., where cherry trees line the city. From March. 20 – April. 13, tourists and locals alike can stop by and experience a series of events hosted in honor of the cherry blossoms. Around 1.5 million people are expected to arrive in D.C. to experience the blossoms that were gifted over 100 years ago.
Each day, a new event begins at the festival. As listed on their website anyone visiting the area to see the cherry blossoms has the chance to participate in a themed event. Most of these events are free and open to the public, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about cherry blossoms and their significance in U.S. history.
From a 10-mile race to the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, D.C. hosts events made for everyone, all adhering to the pink cherry blossom theme.
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