Spring has arrived, and cherry blossom season is officially here as the nation’s capital bursts with pink and white blooms.
Cherry trees in Washington, D.C., reached peak bloom Thursday, March 26, according to the National Park Service. The bloom typically lasts about a week, though weather can impact its duration, according to the park service and the Japan National Tourism Organization.
A key symbol of Japanese culture, cherry trees have been a feature of Washington, D.C., for more than a century. Michigan also is home to spring blooms, particularly in the Traverse City area, although Michigan’s trees tend to bloom later.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival is ongoing through April 12 in Washington, D.C., and will feature the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 11. The parade will be streamed online and shown on TV.
Here’s what to know about cherry blossom season.
Are cherry trees in bloom in Washington, DC?
Yes, cherry trees reached peak bloom in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, March 26, according to the National Park Service.
Peak bloom means 70% of the Yoshino cherry tree blossoms are open.
How long do cherry blossoms bloom?
The blossoms will remain in bloom for a period of several days, the timeline is dependent on weather conditions, according to the park service. The Japan National Tourism Organization says the bloom usually lasts one week.
How did cherry blossoms get to Washington, DC?
Cherry trees are native to Japan, and the first cherry trees were brought to the U.S. and planted in Washington, D.C., in 1912 as a gift from the people of Japan to the people of the U.S., symbolizing friendship, according to the NPS.
Cherry blossom season has been a hallmark of Japanese culture for centuries, symbolizing human life, transience and nobleness, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
US capital celebrates peak cherry blossom season
In Washington, D.C., cherry blossom season festivities are underway. The National Cherry Blossom Festival began March 20 and continues until April 12.
If you’re looking to visit the nation’s capital to join the fun, upcoming events include the 28th annual National Cherry Blossom Freedom Walk and Blossom Kite Festival Saturday, March 28, and the Camali Music Blossom Fest March on Sunday, March 29.
On April 11, the 64th annual Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival and National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade will take place. The complete lineup can be found on the festival’s website.
Where are Michigan’s cherry blossom trees?
In northwest Michigan, the Grand Traverse area is known as the cherry capital of the world, making it a prime spot to enjoy blooming cherry blossoms.
Traverse City is a popular destination for self-guided cherry blossom tours later in spring, the trees typically blooming by mid-May, according to Traverse City Tourism. Michigan’s cherry orchards tend to bloom in May.
In west Michigan, the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids features cherry trees throughout its grounds, set to bloom in spring, according to the gardens.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Cherry blossoms blooming in Washington. When to visit, celebrations
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
