Community Corner

2013 Cherry Blossom Peak Expected March 26-30 in DC

The 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington marks the 101st anniversary of the gift of cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin.

The 2013 peak bloom for the cherry blossoms is expected to come March 26 through March 30, the National Park Service (NPS) announced Monday.

The peak bloom is when 70 percent of the blossoms are open and the average peak bloom date is April 4. 

To make sure you do not miss the peak bloom, the National Park Service has created a live web cam of the Tidal Basin. Now you can monitor the bloom progress to decide when to plan your trip.

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The 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20 through April 14, including The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13.

This year marks the 101st anniversary of the gift of the trees from Japan to the United States. In 1912 Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees of several varieties to Washington, DC. Many of those trees were planted around the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and on the White House property, according to the NPS.

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The very first "Cherry Blossom Festival" was held in 1935 and continues annually. 

What is your Cherry Blossom tradition? Do you have a favorite place for photos? Tell us in the comments below!


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