D C Blooms
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BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES
NATIONAL CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL
Japan may be synonymous with celebrating blooming cherry blossoms , but Washington D . C ’ s National Cherry Blossom Festival also comes in high on the list . The four-week-long Spring festival honors not just the flowers but also the bond between Japanese and American cultures that was started in 1912 when Tokyo Mayor Yukio Ozaki first gifted the trees to the U . S . This year ’ s festivities run from March 20 - April 14 , 2024 , and include the opening ceremony , parade , Petalpalooza , and Blossom Kite Festival .
OPENING CEREMONY
Enjoy an artistic celebration of the long-standing friendship between Japan and the United States with live performances from artists with connections to both countries on March 23 . This year ’ s lineup includes New York-based composer and instrumentalist Kaoru Watanabe ,
who infuses Japanese cultural influences with unexpected styles to create an engaging musical presentation . Choreographer and dancer Jo Kanamori will direct and choreograph original dance productions with dancers from D . C .’ s own Washington Ballet Company . Commemorating his 20th year as a performer , Naotaro Moriyama will take over the Warner Theatre stage with his soaring vocals .
PARADE
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade winds down Constitution Ave NW , between 7th and 17th streets , on April 13 , from 10 am until noon . One of D . C .’ s most significant spectator events , witness extravagant floats , marching bands from all over the country , celebrity performers , and giant helium balloons during this beloved spring spectacle . Seating ticket prices range from $ 25- $ 40 .
NCBF Opening Ceremony
Credit : Jason Dixson Photography
NCBF Opening Ceremony
Credit : Jason Dixson Photography
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 40 SPRING 2024