We just can’t get enough of it. Spring has arrived in Washington DC, and the capital of the United States has already left locals and tourists in awe, turning pink with cherry blossoms in full bloom. In March, the city witnessed the blossoms at their peak, and many people shared stunning images online. Read to know more!
Washington DC Celebrates The National Cherry Blossom Festival
The full bloom of cherry blossoms in Washington, DC marks the start of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, and honestly, it’s one of the prettiest times to be there. But did you know there’s a really sweet story behind it? The festival celebrates the friendship between the United States and Japan. Back in 1912, Tokyo’s mayor, Yukio Ozaki, gifted 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, DC, and that’s how it all began.
Over the years, this simple gesture turned into a full-on celebration. Today, it runs for about four weeks and attracts over 1.6 million people every year. This year it’s happening from March 20 to April 12. People come together to enjoy cultural programs, art events, and community activities. The best part? Many of these events are free, so literally anyone can join in and enjoy the vibe.
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The Story Of The First Cherry Trees
The story behind Washington’s cherry trees is pretty fascinating. A few important people made it happen. Jokichi Takamine, a famous chemist, played a big role, and David Fairchild from the U.S. Department of Agriculture helped too. Eliza Scidmore strongly supported the idea, while First Lady Helen Herron Taft backed it from the start.
The very first two trees were planted on March 27, 1912, along the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park. First Lady Taft planted them with the help of Viscountess Iwa Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador.
Since then, U.S. First Ladies have kept the tradition alive. In 1953, Mamie Eisenhower crowned Queen Janet Bailey at the festival, and in 1976, Betty Ford invited the festival princesses to the White House. Their support helped make the festival bigger, more colourful, and a yearly tradition that people now look forward to.
Another important moment came in 1965. Lady Bird Johnson accepted 3,800 Yoshino cherry trees from Japan and joined a planting ceremony. Years later, Hillary Clinton took part in a planting event in 1999. In 2001, Laura Bush welcomed guests at the opening ceremony. Also, Michelle Obama planted a cherry tree in 2012 at West Potomac Park.
This festival is a must-attend at least once! Share your experience in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: X/@washingtondc & X/@joeflood
FAQs
When is Washington DC's National Cherry Blossom Festival?
This year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is happening from March 20 to April 12.