While Pres. Obama is in Europe, thousands of visitors have been flocking to Washington, DC these past few days which is expected to go on until next week. The reason? It's the National Cherry Blossom Festival, a yearly rite of spring for the nation's capital. We went down there today - a sunny but blustery Saturday - to see for ourselves the colors that these blossoms are well known for. As the winds kicked and rattled the trees, an explosion of pink and white gave the cloudless blue sky a colorful contrast.
The cherry trees around the Tidal Basin were given as a gift to the United States from Japan in 1912. Some 3,000 trees from 12 varieties were planted there including other areas of the Potomac river. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, at least four trees were cut down by vandals as a retaliation. Symbolizing somehow a deeper meaning of friendship, the rest of the trees withstood and even more were planted through the years after the war. The first Cherry Blossom Festival began in 1935.
The cherry trees though varies its peak bloom every year, depending on the mood of Mother Nature. We're lucky, today falls right at the peak bloom forecast for 2009 when at least 70 percent of the trees are abloom. As we stepped on the grassy expanse surrounding the Washington Monument, the colors of spring are bursting on the cherry trees nearby. So many people came to witness: whole families, bunch of friends, group of students, and ordinary folks were huddled beneath the trees it's like the madness of Obama's Inauguration Day.
As part of the festivities, the 49th Annual Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival took almost all of Pennsylvania Avenue. It's billed as the largest Japanese street festival in the US. All things Japanese were the main item in all the booths lining the street. There were sushi, sake, kimono, origami and of course, Cherry Blossoms t-shirt (in Japanese calligraphy). Onstage, there were drummers and traditional dances. I surely felt today like being transported to Japan even as the strong winds continue to kick in.
Kung andyan ako kasama din ako sa turista sa Washington DC ngayon ehehe...ay wait..nakaka tagalog ka ba? hehehhe
ReplyDeletelove your pictures as always
About Nayong Pilipino...
ReplyDeleteIt got demolished 4 or 5 years ago, they were supposed to build something better but I do not know whatever happened to that plan...
Come to think of it...I have never been there...my!
the festival looks pretty cool! and i love your blossom pictures around DC!! this is great. don't know how you found my blog but glad you did as i really like yours! i'm pinay too.
ReplyDeleteYou make me nostalgic. Sigh. I was in DC for week just before the 9/11 and it was a glorious visit. The cherry blossoms are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Norwich Daily Photo and leaving your comment. Come back tomorrow!
joy
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what a lovely sight! your itchy feet serve their best for you. it's priceless seeing these wonderful views/scenery.
ReplyDeletehope it's ok to link you up. :-)
@ Laagan,
ReplyDeleteOn naman, marunong akong mag-Tagalog/Bisaya. Salamat at nagustuhan mo ang mga litrato. And thanks for the update on the Nayong Pilipino.
@ Floreta,
Glad to meet another Pinoy. I found your blog through another with your photo that so reminds me of another friend!
@ Joy,
Yup, it's a pretty sight. My first time to see it.
@ Bingskee,
Oh yes, I love a link up. Especially with bloggers who have itchy feet as well.
Wow great shots! I just hope I could come by there someday. Someday.
ReplyDeleteIf only I would have the resources, I would travel far places like you do...
beautiful blossoms. they almost look like infrared.
ReplyDeletenindut kaayo.
This looks great.
ReplyDeleteI'm lovin' the percussion photos. :)
Hmmm... Nayong Pilipino is now in Pampanga.
ReplyDeleteVisited the place late last year.
I love cherry blossoms! They remind me of my earlier trips to Japan!
ReplyDelete