Every year as winter moves off into our memory and spring arrives with its sunshine and warm breezes, Washington celebrates the arrival of its beloved cherry blossoms and springtime.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 28 through April 12.

The peak bloom period this year, is estimated for April 1-4 with the entire blooming period estimated for March 28 – April 11, 2009.

The annual festival commemorates the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo, Mayor Yukio Ozaki, to the city of Washington in 1912. The first two of these trees on the north bank of the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park, by then first lady Helen Herron Taft and Viscountess Chinda, wife of the Japanese ambassador.

The festivities have centered around the Tidal Basin ever since - where thousands of pink flowers bloom alongside some of Washington's most picturesque monuments.

“I am honored to continue the tradition dating to First Lady Helen Taft that celebrates the
beauty and history of this festival,” First Lady Obama said.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is Washington’s signature springtime event and marks the beginning of the tourism season. Festival organizers expect over one million visitors to see the blossoms and participate in over two weeks of free events.

Watch the Cherry Blossom Parade along the standing room only route from 7th – 17th Streets on Constitution Avenue, or reserve a special seat in the Grandstands ($17/ticket) with the most colorful view available. The popular Sakura Matsuri festival entertains the rest of the day, with a Japanese beer garden, marketplace, music and sumo in the largest street festival of its kind.

Saturday, April 4 – 10:00am – tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com; Sakura Matsuri Festival follows

National Cherry Blossom Calendar of Events

Official Site of the Festival