Cherry Blossom season is here and the United States brings with it a flurry of cherry blossom festivals, which celebrate the beauty of these delicate pink and white flowers. Originally from Japan, cherry blossom trees can now be found in many cities across the United States. Here are some of the best places to enjoy cherry blossom festivals in the United States:
1. Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s National Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest and most well-known cherry blossom festivals in the world. It takes place annually from late March to mid-April, coinciding with the peak bloom of the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin. The festival features a variety of events including a parade, a kite festival, and a fireworks display.
2. Macon, Georgia
Macon, Georgia is known as the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World" and hosts the International Cherry Blossom Festival each spring. The festival takes place over ten days in late March and early April and includes events such as concerts, arts and crafts fairs, and a parade. Visitors can also take a trolley tour of the city's 350,000 cherry blossom trees.
3. San Francisco, California
San Francisco's Japan Town neighborhood hosts the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place over two weekends in April. The festival features traditional Japanese music and dance performances, food vendors, and a grand parade. The nearby Golden Gate Park is also home to a number of cherry blossom trees.
4. Seattle, Washington
Seattle's University of Washington campus is home to thousands of cherry blossom trees, which bloom in late March and early April. The university hosts the annual Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival, which features traditional Japanese music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, and a cherry blossom viewing walk.
5. Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn's Sakura Matsuri festival takes place in April at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The festival features traditional Japanese music and dance performances, tea ceremonies, and food vendors. Visitors can also enjoy the garden's blooming cherry blossom trees.
The beauty of cherry blossoms is celebrated in cities across the United States, each with their own unique festivals and events. From the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., to the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World in Macon, Georgia, there are many opportunities to enjoy the beauty and culture of these delicate flowers. Whether you're looking to attend a parade or a tea ceremony, there's a cherry blossom festival for everyone to enjoy.
