Cherry Blossom Festivals in the USA 2012

The year 2012 marks the USA's Cherry Blossom centennial: One hundred years ago, the Japanese government sent a gift of 3,020 cherry trees to our shores. The majority were planted in Washington, DC along both sides of the Potomac River's Tidal Basin. A gesture of goodwill, this gift of cherry trees became a symbol friendship between our two countries that evolved into coast-to-coast festivals celebrating the beauty of this annual sign of spring.

The Japanese have traditionally celebrated hanami, the cherry blossom season, by arranging multi-generation festivals, picnics and parties beneath the beloved trees that stretch across much of their country.

In the USA, we've grown equally fond of the delicate pink-flowered trees that frame the Capitol's most treasured monuments; it really is the most beautiful time of year to visit.

Washington DC's annual National Cherry Blossom Festival always has been a popular event. In this centennial year, the biggest celebration ever is planned. USA First Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to serve as the honorary chair of the 2012 festival. For five weeks, from March 20 through April 27, the city will be alive with activity related to the cherry blossom centennial. Everything from exhibitions of Japanese brush painting and silk embroidery to a Blossom Kite Festival (preceded by a build-a-kite workshop) is on the agenda. There will also be cultural offerings including Noh Theater and Kabuki vignettes as well as a screening of the moving new film, The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom.

The Capitol isn't the only place to take in the sight and scent of the cherry blossom trees, not to mention festivals. New York City, which also received a gift of trees in 1912, celebrates the centennial at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden from April 1 – 29. It maintains two areas to view the trees: Cherry Walk, behind the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, features 42 varieties of Ornamental flowering cherries. Cherry Esplanade, a path through a field lined with double-flowering trees and benches. A festival with live performances and other cultural activities takes place on the final weekend.

Cherry Blossom Festivals Across the USA in 2012

While DC and New York claim the oldest cherry trees in the country, they're certainly not the only places to view the pink petals.

You can also find cherry blossom festivals and events in the following states. They're great places to take kids or grandkids. Expect an array of family-friendly events that can include martial arts demonstrations, tea ceremonies and culinary tastings, kids' activities, crafts demonstrations, and more. 

Pennsylvania: Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia

New Jersey: Cherry Blossom Festival

California: Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival

California: 2012 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival

California: Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister City Cherry Blossom Festival

Arizona: Phoenix Matsuri

Georgia: International Cherry Blossom Festival

Tennessee: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival

Rhode Island: The Rhode Island Cherry Blossom Festival

Washington: Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival

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