Spring weather sometimes comes to Washington in February and sometimes in March or even April. But for Washingtonians, the first day of spring will always be the last Saturday in March, when they celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Spring weather sometimes comes to Washington in February and sometimes in March or even April. But for Washingtonians, the first day of spring will always be the last Saturday in March, when they celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The festival is also the largest U.S. celebration of enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. This year's festival marks the 98th anniversary of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees presented by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC, in 1912.
Bare cherry trees explode with life and color in a matter of days.
The festival is also the largest U.S. celebration of enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. This year's festival marks the 98th anniversary of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees presented by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC, in 1912.
Bare cherry trees explode with life and color in a matter of days.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Squares and parks look as if they have been specially decorated for the festival.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Tulip trees bloom alongside the cherry trees.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
With cherry trees blossoming outside the U.S. Treasury Building, it seems like the end of the financial crisis must be right around the corner.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Kids enjoying themselves in the Washington squares that usually only see dark-suited officials passing through.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
The annual Smithsonian Kite Festival is held around the Washington Monument on the first day of the cherry blossom festival.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Kite lovers from all over the United States bring their masterpieces to Washington to show off their beauty and flying ability.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Pink and white blossoms lighten the mood outside the United States Capitol, which houses Congress.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
The generous gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo is commemorated during the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
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© RIA Novosti . Maria Tabak
Street musicians playing unusual instruments remind Washingtonians how easy it is to be happy.
