Washington during the cherry blossom festival season

According to the National Park Service, when 70% of the flowers around the Tidal Basin bloom, it marks the beginning of the city’s annual cherry blossom festival. The festival is expected to last until April 17.

Nearly 3,000 cherry blossom trees planted along the Tidal Basin are a famous gift that Japan gave to the United States in 1912, which is considered a celebration of relations between the United States and Japan.

The festival includes parades, fireworks, live music, a basketball competition, and an art installation display. During the festival there are also activities for families with children or pets, kite flying, food and wine tasting area, cultural activities and flower cruise on the river.