Cherry Blossom Festival DC

Although blossoms will start to open before then, the first week of April is predicted to be the best time to see the flowers at their fullest this year. Peak bloom typically happens in Washington, D.C. between the last week of March and the first week of April. Covid has halted several events for many in the past couple of years, but The 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 20 to April 17. In 2021, Washington DC’s famous cherry blossom reached peak bloom on March 28. They’re now done for the year. You can find the most recent updates here. On average, DC’s cherry blossoms bloom around the last week of March into the first week of April. Washington DC holds a huge well known Cherry blossom festival every year with many activities  for you and you family to enjoy If you are worried about not knowing where exactly to go and the best spots to see, be sure to check into a guided cherry blossom tour to ensure that you will be able to see all there is to see in the cherry blossom season. The National Park Service announced that peak bloom for the cherry blossoms in DC began March 28. According to NPS, four to seven days after peak bloom are the best times to view the blossoms, and they can last up to two weeks, depending on the weather. In this article we will go over what all the 2022 Cherry Blossom festival will entail, let’s begin.

washington monument during cherry blossom blooming in washington dc

How it all began

1915: In a gesture of gratitude for the cherry trees, in 1915 President Taft sent a gift of flowering dogwood trees to the people of Japan.  1935: The first “Cherry Blossom Festival” was sponsored jointly by many civic groups and became an annual event in subsequent years. Cherry blossoms have long been associated with Japan. In a story published by the Huffington Post, studies say that “cherry blossoms or sakura immigrated to Japan some time several thousand years ago and spread throughout the country before the prehistoric age.” Cherry blossoms are symbolic of the spring – a time of renewal. They can also represent the fleeting nature of life, since their time in bloom is so short-lived. Although the beauty of cherry blossoms will no doubt take your breath away, you’ll find that these blossoms sadly die back after just two weeks. In ancient Japan, farmers used the blooming of the sakura flowers to help them know it was time to plant their rice crops. The flowers were considered to be a representation of spring, hope, beauty and new life. Blossom viewing in Japan first started in the Nara period of Japan’s history. It all began in 1885, when Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore asked an Army official that the trees be planted along the Potomac River. (That request was ignored.) WASHINGTON — In 1912, Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the nation’s capital. More than 100 years later, this act of kindness is still celebrated. Also known as the “cherry blossom festival,” this annual celebration is about appreciating the temporal beauty of nature. People gather under blooming cherry blossoms for food, drink, songs, companionship and the beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms). Celebrations begin in the day and often last into the night. As an annual celebration, the Cherry Blossom Festival began from humble beginnings. Small ceremonies took place to commemorate the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The first ceremony, which took place on March 27, 1912, was simply the planting of the first two trees from Japan by then First Lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador. Each year since, the United States and Japan have exchanged gifts, including flowering dogwood trees from the US to the people of Japan in 1915. Today, the Cherry Blossom Festival encompasses four weekends and draws more than 1.5 million people. So as you can see not only is this a beautiful event holding many historical moments, it has been a tradition that millions have grown to love and cherish throughout the years.

What happens at the festival?

This is not just a festival where you stand and mingle and look at all the gorgeous blossoms, they have some great activities planned for you and your family to indulge in. Upon the beginning of the festival which goes over a span of around two weeks of celebration, is the opening ceremony. In a world without covid, this part is live streamed and a free event but you have to register online. World famous singers perform  and entertain guests. Nest on the list after this is the Blossom kite festival, this is a gorgeous event where many create their own kites in their own unique way and participate in some friendly competition with some really great prizes to be given to the winners. Next you can go rent a boat at the tidal basin, and ride a long looking at all the gorgeous blossoms in the area. If you are in the Washington DC area during the bloom season you will find there is no shortage of fun things for you to do. It is suggested to book a guided cherry blossom tour that way you can hit up all of the events and not get lost on your way, all while gathering local intel on the area and the history surrounding the event. If you have not yet be sure to check into booking a guided cherry blossom tour for the year 2022!

Capitol Express Tours: Cherry Blossom Tours

Capitol Express Tours located in Washington DC have all you need and more when it comes to enjoying the 2022 Cherry Blossom season. Experienced local tour guides will help you through the city, and happy and ready to answer any questions you may have. This is a great way to make your way through the crowds all while gathering some historical facts a long the way. Capitol Express Tours is ready to give you the best cherry blossom experience in 2022. Visit their site and book your guided tour today!