The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest events in the Nation's Capital. The festival, which brings over 1.5 million people into D.C. each year, is set to be held from March 20th to April 14th this year, and is set to be filled with budding tourists and blooming trees. If you are planning to see one of spring's biggest events for yourself, here are five things you should know before visiting:
1. What the history is behind it.
The cherry blossom trees were given as a gift of peace and friendship to the United States from Japan in 1912. That March, the first two trees were planted in D.C. by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the wife of the Japanese ambassador. The United States gifted Japan dogwood trees in return in 1915.
2. When they bloom.
The festival itself is set to take place between March 20th and April 14th, but the peak blooming period isn't supposed to be until the first week of April. This means that any time during the period of March 20th to April 14th, there will be events held and blossoms out, but the best time to see the blossoms is predicted to be during that first week of April time frame.
3. Where to see them.
The most popular cherry blossom trees are located along the Tidal Basin, with many of the trees being across from the Jefferson Memorial. With the water in the background, the trees along the basin make for some of the most beautiful pictures, and the walkway along the water's edge is littered with pink petals and trees.
4. What events go on at the festival.
Some of the biggest events include the Festival's Opening Ceremony, which will take place March 23rd, as well as the Blossom Kite Festival, which will take place March 30th, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, which will take place April 13th. Each event will contain unique experiences and performances with some events including live music and dancing.
Overall, the Cherry Blossom Festival attracts many people into D.C. during the springtime, and whether you're going for the first time, or for the hundredth time, it's best not to miss the blossoms and their unequivocal beauty.
