The Spectacular Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade, Spring has Sprung
By Dr. Marchette Richardson-Smith
April 24, 2024
Spring is here, and people came from around the globe to celebrate the blossoming of cherry trees. Washington, D.C., was well prepared for the annual spectacle of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a celebration of nature's beauty, environmental education, arts, culture, and community unity.
It is a meaningful celebration, but how did this beloved Festival come about? Its roots trace back to 1912 when the Japanese government gifted over 3,000 cherry trees to the United States. In March of that year, the inaugural planting took place along the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, with First Lady Helen Taft and Viscountess Chinda, the wife of the Japanese ambassador, participating in the ceremony. The United States reciprocated this gesture in 1915 by gifting Japan with flowering dogwood trees.
Since its inception, the festival has undergone significant growth. Initially spanning two weeks, it expanded to five weeks in 2012 in honor of its centennial anniversary. The National Cherry Blossom Festival lasts four weeks and boasts over fifty special events and programs. With such a rich array of offerings, it is no surprise that Washington, D.C., has cemented its status as a premier springtime destination, drawing visitors from all over the world.
The festival attracts over 1.5 million attendees who come to revel in diverse creative programming that celebrates traditional and contemporary arts, culture, natural beauty, and community spirit. Most events are free and open to everyone. At its core, the festival is a testament to the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. Let us look at some of Washington, DC's celebratory events and activities that occurred between March 20 to April 14, 2024.
On March 23-April 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. attendants began their visit to the National Cherry Blossom Festival at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area, located on West Basin Drive, on the west side of the Tidal Basin, between the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Information tents, a performance stage, food, and souvenir sales areas, and first aid stations provided everything needed for a fun-filled visit. Many attendees also joined Park Rangers to learn more about the history and lore of the cherry blossoms. Every year Rangers meet festival goers in the plaza before the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, rain, or shine.
On March 30, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors were encouraged to join the Blossom Kite Festival at the Washington Monument grounds. This Festival heralds the arrival of spring and initiates the kite-flying season with five designated areas for exploration and enjoyment. Attendees were encouraged to fly their own kites on the public field. Additionally, children were able to craft kites at an activity station.
On April 6, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors met at Petalpalooza at Capital Riverfront at the Yards (1300 First Street S.E.), to enjoy a daylong celebration, suitable for all ages. The celebration featured a medley of art, music, and recreational activities across numerous outdoor stages and interactive art installations along the Petalpalooza Art Walk. The festivities culminated with a dazzling fireworks display. Located near the Navy Yard Metro, the event was an unforgettable experience. Hopefully I will see you all there next year.
On April 7th at 3 p.m., we all marked our calendars for the Official Japanese Stone Lantern Lighting Ceremony. The ceremony took place at the Japanese Stone Lantern, situated on Independence Avenue SW at the western end of the Kutz Bridge. Hosted by the National Conference of State Societies and the National Park Service, this event honors tradition with the lighting of the Japanese Stone Lantern amidst the cherry blossom trees along the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. The ceremony featured remarks by esteemed US officials and Japanese diplomats, along with captivating traditional songs and music. It was an occasion not to be missed!
My family and I were blessed to meet so many wonderful people at the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, held April 13 between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! As Elite Mrs. District of Columbia Earth, I had a wonderful time greeting parade attendees and taking photos. The parade took place along Constitution Avenue N.W. from 7th to 17th Street N.W. Renowned as one of D.C.'s premier spectator events, this lively parade spans ten blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Everyone enjoyed a vibrant display featuring giant colorful balloons, intricate floats, marching bands representing various regions of the country, celebrity entertainers, and talented performers. It was a magnificent showcase of music and showmanship that should not be missed!
