National Cherry Blossom Festival

National Cherry Blossom Festival

3/27/1 - 4/11/10
Washington, DC's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival® is a celebration of the coming of spring and commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees given to the U.S. by Tokyo mayor, Yukio Ozaki in 1912.

The two-week festival includes many cultural, sporting and culinary events. This year on Saturday, April 4 (to not coincide with Easter), Southwest Airlines presents the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Parade showcases entries from across the country and around the world, including marching bands, Cherry blossom queens from the US and Japan, giant balloons, floats, and the National Cherry Blossom Festival AllStarTap Dance Team & Youth Choir.

Immediately following the parade is the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival presented by the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC presenting over 80 organizations highlighting Japanese performances, arts, crafts and food.