D.C In Bloom

Written by: Sitara Nair

Washington, DC, holds a four week long festival every year to celebrate the gift of cherry blossom trees. The National Cherry Blossom Festival organization names the event as “spring’s biggest welcome party…an iconic tradition filled with food, fun, art, and culture celebrating the famous cherry blossoms”. 

In 1909, Mayor Yukio Ozaki from Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees as a gift to Washington DC, sparking the tradition. From 1913 to 1920, the trees began being planted around the Tidal Basin, and by 1935, the first ‘National Cherry Blossom Festival” took place. Yukio Ozaki was a prominent Japanese politician and was commonly referred to as "God of constitutional politics" and the "father of the Japanese Constitution”. He was a popular mayor, with prominent support for democracy and universal male voting rights in political elections. By gifting the cherry trees to Washington, D.C during his tenure, he instigated a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States. 

In Japanese culture, cherry blossom trees are known as “sakura.” These trees remind people that beautiful things can be short-lived, just like the lovely pink blossoms that only last a little while. Even though these blossoms don’t last long, they show us that every ending can be the start of something new and that change is a natural and important part of life. 

The festival itself is well-loved, with 1.5 million people travelling to D.C for the festival. The festival was originally one week but then became five weeks to increase the chances of capturing the peak bloom period, which can vary annually. This year, the celebration is from March 20 to April 13, and Americans are gathering in parks to enjoy the cherry blossoms, attend fun festivals, and welcome the arrival of spring.

Along with the beautiful trees, the festival is packed with fun activities for everyone. Families can enjoy live music, parades, art shows, and cultural performances that celebrate Japanese traditions. There are food stands offering delicious treats, hands-on workshops where kids can make crafts, and interactive exhibits that explain how the cherry blossoms bloom and why they are so special. All in all, the festival is very lively with tons of hands-on activities for everybody, making it a fun family day out for many. 

The event is also a time for learning and friendship. People from all over the country, and even from around the world, gather in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the bond between the United States and Japan. Local schools, museums, and community groups join in by organizing special events and tours, giving young visitors a chance to learn about history, art, and nature in a fun and engaging way.

Overall, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is not just a celebration of spring or history, but a time when communities come together to enjoy nature’s beauty, learn about new cultures, and share the joy of welcoming a fresh start.