Who doesn't love the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C.? It's a time to take artsy Instagram photos, and it gives you an excuse to visit the city. This year, the festival began March 20 and ended this weekend, April 12.
What many don't remember is that this festival is to commemorate the March 27, 1912, gift of cherry blossoms from Japanese Mayor Yukio Ozaki. The trees were donated in an effort to improve Japanese and American relations. The first festival was celebrated in 1935 and continues to this day, attracting thousands of tourists from all over the world.
The festival includes several events including a 10K run through D.C., parade, kite festival and fireworks. Most of these events are based around the Tidal Basin, where the majority of the blossoms are planted.
The thousands of trees attract more than a million people from around the world annually, and this year did not differ. Day or night, the beauty of the trees is unbelievable. If you missed it this year it's definitely worth a trip next year. Only 365 days to go!
