Home » Travel & Places » District of Columbia » Visiting DC

2012 and 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC

Ranked #1,472 in Travel & Places, #55,747 overall | Donates to Save the Children

A Cherry Blossom Festival Surprise

The 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, which ran from March 20 - April 27, 2012, was the Centennial celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, marking 100 years since Japan gave us the gift of Cherry Trees.

The annual celebration includes a parade and the presentation of the Cherry Blossom Queen.

On this page you will find information about the previous or upcoming Cherry Blossom festival, depending upon the date you visit, plus a personal story and some pictures from our visit to Washington DC on what turned out to be the weekend of the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade.



Image credit

Claudia a/k/a happynutritionist
Updated 5/30/12

Planning a Visit to Washington DC

I did it for my husband who loves politics and our Nation

Lincoln Memorial, Washington DCFor our 25th wedding anniversary, we decided to go to Washington DC. I did the planning, knowing my husband loved politics and would enjoy seeing our Nation's capitol, and all the wonderful historic monuments.

I thought I was planning it during a time of year when it was "off season" because it was still quite cool in early April. We would go, there would be no crowds, we would wander the quiet streets together and visit historic sites and monuments to our hearts content.

As you will see when you read our story below, that's not quite how the weekend went.

Photo and Picture Credit

By the author unless otherwise noted

All photos and pictures of the Cherry Blossom Festival and the parade in Washington DC and other Washington DC Monuments and Memorials, are taken by me, unless otherwise noted.

Though most are nothing fancy for the most part, you are welcome to edit and use any of the photos taken by me as long as you give credit by providing a link back to this page. Thank you!

What are they Inflating Balloons For?

We asked ourselves the morning after we arrived in Washington DC

The morning after we arrived in Washington DC we got up and enjoyed breakfast. We stayed out of town in Virginia, and drove into Washington DC after our breakfast. The traffic was heavier than expected, and when we arrived, we found a parking spot that meant we would have to do a bit of walking.

As we walked we saw balloons being inflated, and still being unaware of what the weekend was all about, said to one another "I wonder why they are inflating balloons? I guess something is happening today".

What? Police on Horseback in front of the National Archives?

This is when it began to sink in...almost

We kept walking to the National Archives. We wanted to view the the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and many other historic documents preserved inside this building.

But when we saw this view of police on horseback in formation standing facing the archives, we realized that something big was about to happen. Even as I type this, I still can't believe that we weren't aware of the show we would be seeing before we could enter the National Archives.

A Quick Washington DC Cherry Blossom Poll

Take the poll, ask a question, share a story

Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

When you make your selection, a text box will open where you can make a comment, share a Washington DC story, or ask a question if you'd like to.

Click the Image for Copyright Information


Loading poll. Please Wait...

March 20 - April 14, 2013

Countdown to 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival Begins

2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival Begins: March 20, 2013

The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade!

We were still too "thick" to get it right away

When we got to the National Archives, crowds of people lined the streets, and we figured we'd walk up the steps and go in and look around a bit, then come out to see what all the fuss was about. When we got to the door, it was closed and there was a police woman guarding, in fact there was quite a bit of security all around...but we started toward the door and were stopped by the police woman.

Police: "No one can go in until after the parade".

Us: "What parade?"

Police: "The Cherry Blossom Festival parade...don't you know about the parade?"

Us: "How embarrassing, no we didn't, until just now".

We turned around, and looked, and then understood why we had seen Elmo from Sesame Street being inflated along with several other balloons earlier in the day.

Yes, this event is way up there on our list of embarrassing moments.

We were not able to enter the Archives until a couple of hours later when the parade was over, and when we entered, it seemed that all the people that were viewing the parade joined us. The line to see the precious documents was a LONG one, but it was an awesome moment when we finally were able to view the Declaration of Independence, and see the signers handwriting for ourselves. To see the Constitution of the United States, and many other documents.

Facts from an interview with a caretaker of the trees

The wife of the mayor of Tokyo, Japan gave the original Cherry Blossom trees to First Lady Helen Taft as a gift of friendship on behalf of the people of Japan in 1912.

A few original trees grow along the water in the tidal basin, and another section has approximately 40-50 original trees.

144 cuttings were taken from the original trees in Washington DC and sent to Japan..coincidentally...a few days before the earthquake in 2011. These are grafted to their trees to keep up the "lineage".

The Queen of the National Cherry Blossom Festival

A new queen each year of the event

At the end of the parade, the crowned Cherry Blossom Queen makes her appearance...this picture is a bit small, but if you look closely, you will see that the women on the float, at least the year we were there, are dressed in traditional Japanese attire.

So just as Santa Claus is the final moment of the Thanksgiving Day Parade, the appearance of the Cherry Blossom Queen signals the end of the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

In Retrospect, it was All Worth It

Think of the memories we would have missed!

I have only a few photos from the actual Cherry Blossom Festival parade, and it has been fun to re-visit that weekend as our 32nd...and at this 2012 update...our 33rd anniversary approaches.

In spite of the fact that we may have preferred a less crowded visit to Washington DC (it was busy all weekend!), think of the memories and the laughs at our poor planning that we would have missed...and the lessons we have learned about planning ahead as a result.

But if we had planned our trip to Washington DC carefully, we would not be able to say that, yes, we have seen the beautiful Cherry Blossom trees in bloom in Washington DC, and have attended the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade.

2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival Calendar of Events

(Will update for 2013 as the date gets closer)

Many events take place during the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Click the link below for a calendar of events for the 2012 Cherry Blossom Festival:

Calendar of Events for the 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival

Cherry Blossoms Blooming Early in Washington DC

Will there be Cherry Blossoms for the parade?

Apparently the warmer than usual temperatures we are having are causing the Cherry Blossoms to bloom early in Washington DC. At least that is what was announced on the Weather Channel today.

Below are news articles on this topic. It will be interesting to see how the early blooming of the Cherry Blossoms will affect the 2012 Centennial Cherry Blossom Festival.
Photographer captures cherry blossom beauty
Another series in Gerson's exhibit consists of cherry blossom tree photographs he took in Washington, DC in April. ?[I was there] the day when they were coming into full bloom,? he says. ?And I got there just before dawn so they were quite gorgeous.
PRAIRIE GARDENER: Cherry trees are a gift from Japan that keeps on giving
We are talking about the famed Japanese flowering cherry trees, which bring their beauty each spring to the Tidal Basin and surrounding areas. WASHINGTON, DC ? After a century, a diplomatic gift from Japan continues to flourish in our nation's capital.
Warm spring forces cancellation of annual iris show
In Washington, DC, an early bloom for cherry blossoms nearly came too soon for the popular Cherry Blossom Festival. The average peak bloom date is April 4, according to the National Park Service, but this year, with the warm weather, the peak came in ...
At Garden's Visitor Center, a Welcome Transparency
And of course there are the flowering cherry trees, more than 200 of them in long promenades, Brooklyn's answer to the annual spectacle in Washington. The cherry blossoms can bring as many as 37000 visitors to the garden on a weekend day in early ...
Powered by Google

Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Map

If the Google map is cooperating with the addresses I've given, you should find the following marked...these are just a few suggested locations where there should be a more concentrated number of trees:

National Arboretum
3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC

Anacostia Park
900 Anacostia Drive, SE. Washington, DC

Stanton Park, Capitol Hill
5th and C Sts. NE Washington, DC

Washington DC Statistics

In the 20009 Zip Code Section of DC

The population of 20009 is 53,969.

That's #732 out of all 42,305 zip codes.

43% of the population is white, which is 31 points less than the national average.

The average household income in 20009 is $42,106, which is $12,408 more than the typical average.

This contributes to the average house being worth $290,000. When the survey was done in 2000, that represented a difference of 268% from the typical value.

Men make up 45% of the population, and the typical age in this part of DC is 32.5.

Stats about: Washington, DC

Population: 53,969
Number of Households: 26,946
Average House Value: $290,000
Average Income per Household: $42,106
Elevation: 0 ft

Population Breakdown:

Population Chart

White House on Cherry Blossom Festival Weekend

National Cherry Blossom Festival Photo Collection

Courtesy of Flickr

Boom! by asvensson
Into It by DaveFayram
Su, Aaron and Amie by DaveFayram
The Legend Will Never Die by DaveFayram
Why? by DaveFayram
Bang Bang by DaveFayram
Shaka Time! by DaveFayram
Kid Style by DaveFayram
Enthusiasm By Example by DaveFayram
Boy Scout Mikoshi by DaveFayram
Wafudogs Gone Wild by DaveFayram
Bring it by DaveFayram
Kendo Exhibition by DaveFayram
America, F Yeah! by DaveFayram
Tiny Shrine by DaveFayram
Dance Break by DaveFayram
Takoyummy by DaveFayram
Bang Bang BANG! by DaveFayram
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 by coolmikeol
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 by coolmikeol
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 by coolmikeol
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 by coolmikeol
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 by coolmikeol
San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 by coolmikeol
automatically generated by Flickr

Media News about the National Cherry Blossom Festival

Updates every 30 minutes

Off-season, articles may not be relevant.
The Soul of DC's Jazz Festival
... we had a thing with the Cherry Blossom Festival. To me, the jazz festival is a year-round thing, and it's a part of the heart and soul of this city.? Fishman, as any founder worth his soul, wants national recognition and respect for the festival.
PRAIRIE GARDENER: Cherry trees are a gift from Japan that keeps on giving
Numerous events marked the centennial observance in March, including the traditional five-week National Cherry Blossom Festival. That event brings more than $126 million to the city annually. Other events are planned throughout 2012.
St. Paul to get sakura cherry trees as a gift from Japan
St. Paul is one of 20 US cities to get 20 cherry trees apiece as a gift from Japan. It marks 100 years since Japan sent 3000 sakura trees to Washington, DC, according to city information. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in the capital city, ...
Festival brings culture of Japan to downtown
Thousands visited the Allen County Library and sampled Japanese fare at the sixth annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The cultural celebration of the city's 35 years as a sister city to Takaoka, Japan, included Japanese arts, crafts, plants, books, ...
Powered by Google

Cherry Blossom Stamps, Skins and Gifts and More

Click the image to visit and look for "Cherry Blossoms"

Cherry Blossom Stamps Skins and MoreClick the image of the Cherry Blossom Stamp to view more Cherry Blossom decorated items designed by joacreations. You will find them by looking through the alphabetical list to the left of the store page.

Food in Washington DC - What People are Saying

Here's what Yelpers have to say about Food in 20009

Cocova (Washington)  
"Pretty good. No complaints." more
Seasonal Pantry (Washington)  
"This is a wonderful gourmet food shop. The cheeses are among the best in the city. The chicken pot pie is delicious. Prices are very low. Service is..." more
Uncle Chip's Cookie & Dessert Suppliers (Washington)  
"More Scoutmob freebies! Woot! I came here to snag a free cookie courtesy of Scoutmob. Typically I'm not one for wanting a cookie on a warm summer day,..." more
P&C Market (Washington)  
"Love this place. Definitely a little expensive, but it's nice to have a neighborhood market that is a step up from the others and stocks local foods. Great..." more
Schneider's Of Capitol Hill (Washington)  
"what a great little wine/liquor store. super clean and friendly/helpful staff. the staff there is knowledgeable and they give great wine/beer suggestions..." more
powered by Yelp

Car Rentals, Hotels and Flights for Washington DC

We rented a car when we went to Washington DC

We rented a car when we went on our trip to Washington DC because it is within reasonable driving distance from our home. We could have driven our own car, but it was nice to rent something new for a special weekend, and save wear on our own car.

powered by Orbitz

The Japan Earthquake Fund Raiser and Vigil

50% of any revenue generated by this page goes to Save the Children

Hearts throughout the United States and around the world were broken when looking at the devastation caused by the March 11, 2011 earthquake in Japan, the tsunami it caused, and the ongoing struggles the Japanese people are facing as a result. Still, the Japanese people are resourceful and their recovery is well under way. We have a family member living in Japan, at this update, all is well with her, for which we are thankful.

Many put together pages on Squidoo and set them so that all revenue generated from purchases made through the page goes to "Save the Children", one of several organizations involved in helping the children and people of Japan. This is one of those pages.

Before the 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, organizers held a fund-raising walk and vigil among the Cherry Blossom trees in honor of the victims of Japan's March 11th earthquake and tsunami.



Image Source
[108 pieces] Sakura Cherry Blossom Wind Jigsaw Puzzle (18.2 x 25.7 cm) Japan

[108 pieces] Sakura Cherry Blossom Wind Jigsaw Puzzle (18.2 x 25.7 cm) Japan

Amazon Price: $64.99 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now
Used Price:

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Other Cherry Blossom and Cherry Blossom Festival Pages

Loading

National Cherry Blossom Festival Caught on Video

Click a picture under the viewer to view

Hover over a the pictures under the viewer to see the title, click a picture to view. Enjoy!
Cherry Blossom Festival Washington DC
by finleyholiday | video info

78 ratings | 41,560 views
automatically generated by YouTube

"Thumbs up", Pins, Facebook and Tweets

Thank you

If you enjoyed your visit, click the "thumbs up" here at the top and bottom of this page. We love Pinterest Pins, Twitter Tweets, and the like, so if you feel so inclined, use the bookmark bar below or buttons on the top and bottom of this page.

If you aren't a member of Squidoo, click here and join us by starting a lens (page like this one). It's a fun and easy way to share your interests, business, anything you want to share! You can get a page started to join, then come back and work on it later when you have more time.

Add this to your lens »

Bookmark and Share

This module only appears with actual data when viewed on a live lens. The favorite and lensroll options will appear on a live lens if the viewer is a member of Squidoo and logged in.

Add this to your lens »

50% Donated to Save the Children

You can also give directly

All of my pages on Squidoo are set so that a percentage of most purchases made through the site goes to charity, in this case Save the Children. You can also give directly.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us

Search for Items with Cherry Blossoms

Hover over and item to enlarge it

You can enter your own search terms if you like, and the results will come up right on this page. If you hover over an item, it will enlarge for better viewing. Thank you, and remember, 100% of the percentage received because you purchased goes to Save the Children.

Have you been to a Cherry Blossom Festival?

Guestbook

  • Susan52 Apr 13, 2012 @ 4:00 pm | delete
    I've never been to the Cherry Blossom festival, though I've been to D.C. a number of times. Loved your story about the surprise parade! Happy anniversary!
  • happynutritionist Apr 13, 2012 @ 5:03 pm | delete
    Thanks, Susan, glad you stopped by, and have been to DC, it's a great place to visit any time of year, so rich with history.
  • mismatch Jun 24, 2011 @ 3:43 pm | delete
    I do not think to ever be able to go to the Cherry Blossom Festival -- so for people like me it is a real opportunity to see it on a lens like this -- so beautifully featured and informally described -- I feel as I was there myself. Thank you for sharing, keep well!
  • 06BlackHeart Jun 19, 2011 @ 2:05 am | delete
    Great lens... I featured it here http://www.squidoo.com/to-do-in-japan
    if you don't mind
  • OhMe May 8, 2011 @ 7:10 am | delete
    I've never been to the Cherry Blossom Festival but would love to do that someday. I enjoyed reading about it and seeing your wonderful photos.
  • Pukeko Apr 25, 2011 @ 8:42 am | delete
    I have been to Washington many times, as I have family there. Cherry blossom festival is one thing I have never seen, but do hope to some day.
  • NYThroughTheLens Apr 24, 2011 @ 10:53 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens! I just admired the cherry blossoms here in NYC but I really want to go view them at this festival.
  • Rusty-Quill Apr 7, 2011 @ 8:07 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens - I went to DC years ago but it was winter - not many cherry blossoms at the time. :) I'll have to go back some day.
  • happynutritionist Apr 11, 2011 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    Yes, you'll have to do that, if you like crowds during the festival...if not, then just before or after, though the trees are really at their best during the festival time of year.
  • Michey Apr 7, 2011 @ 6:50 pm | delete
    I like your lens, and your pictures are great
  • happynutritionist Apr 11, 2011 @ 11:17 pm | delete
    Thank you Michey, I'm glad you enjoyed your visit.
  • tssfacts Mar 29, 2011 @ 3:40 pm | delete
    It has been a very long time since I have been to DC. Your picture brought back the memories just like I was there. I wasn't there for the festival but do remember being shown the cherry trees. Great job.
  • happynutritionist Mar 29, 2011 @ 4:19 pm | delete
    I'm glad you enjoyed your visit...perhaps it was a lot quieter and less crowded time when you are there..both have their advantages:-)
  • sandyspider Mar 28, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
    I do love cherry blossoms. These are beautiful on your lens. Very nice write up.
  • happynutritionist Mar 28, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Thank you, Sandy! They are beautiful, aren't they? It is nice to see that Spring is coming!
  • DecoratingforEvents Mar 27, 2011 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    The Cherry Blossoms are beautiful Claudia! What a wonderful and informative lens. I really enjoyed my trip to D.C. and hope to go back one day.
  • happynutritionist Mar 28, 2011 @ 9:57 am | delete
    Thank you...glad you were able to visit DC. We have actually been there on at least 2 other occasions, in the summer, but this special occasion was the only time we were there when it was COLD and CROWDED :-)
Show All
Loading

Random unrelated pages you might like

Loading

Find your way back to topics of interest

Table of Contents

  1. Planning a Visit to Washington DC
  2. Photo and Picture Credit
  3. What are they Inflating Balloons For?
  4. What? Police on Horseback in front of the National Archives?
  5. A Quick Washington DC Cherry Blossom Poll
  6. 2013 National Cherry Blossom Festival Dates
  7. The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade!
  8. Facts from an interview with a caretaker of the trees
  9. The Queen of the National Cherry Blossom Festival
  10. In Retrospect, it was All Worth It
  11. 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival Calendar of Events
  12. Cherry Blossoms Blooming Early in Washington DC
  13. Best Spots to View Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC
  14. Washington DC Statistics
  15. White House on Cherry Blossom Festival Weekend
  16. Social Media Chatter about the National Cherry Blossom Festival
  17. National Cherry Blossom Festival Photo Collection
  18. Media News about the National Cherry Blossom Festival
  19. Cherry Blossom Stamps, Skins and Gifts and More
  20. Food in Washington DC - What People are Saying
  21. Car Rentals, Hotels and Flights for Washington DC
  22. The Japan Earthquake Fund Raiser and Vigil
  23. Other Cherry Blossom and Cherry Blossom Festival Pages
  24. National Cherry Blossom Festival Caught on Video
  25. "Thumbs up", Pins, Facebook and Tweets
  27. 50% Donated to Save the Children
  28. Search for Items with Cherry Blossoms
  29. Have you been to a Cherry Blossom Festival?
  31. Random unrelated pages you might like
  32. Follow Me on Twitter

by

happynutritionist

This page about the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is both funny and serious, I hope you have the opportunity to be in Washington DC when the... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Family Guide to Washington DC 

Family Guide Washington, DC (Eyewitness Travel Family Guide)

Family Guide Washington, DC (Eyewitness Travel Family Guide)

by: DK Publishing

Amazon Price: $12.43 (as of 05/30/2012)Buy Now

Related Tags