Hanami is a cherry blossom viewing in Japan, March-May. Families, friends, and co-workers enjoy picnic celebrations, eating variety of foods, with music, dancing and karaoke under flowering trees. The blooming it temporary, so viewing trees bloom, reminds people of a temporary view of life, which is very popular in Japanese culture. The blossom forecast is announced each year, because it lasts only for about two weeks.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC is a celebration of friendship between US and Japan. In 1912 US received a gift of the cherry trees from Japan and in 1935 the first Cherry Blossom Festival was held. The festival lasts for two weeks to accommodate many activities, starting the last Saturday in March and ending in April. The event includes The Blossom Kite Festival, rakugo – storytelling, kimono (Japanese traditional garment) fashion show, dance, singing, martial arts, and rugby union tournament. The festival starts with a Family Day on the first Saturday, followed by fireworks next Saturday, and ends with a parade on the last Saturday. The festival is a great way to welcome the arrival of spring.
International Cherry Blossom Festival is held in Macon, Georgia, at the end of March. Macon is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World with 300,000 cherry trees.
