Pink and white cherry blossoms explode every spring, bringing breathtaking beauty to the Schuylkill riverbanks and Philadelphia’s public parkland. This canopy of delicate flowers, first planted in 1926 as a gift to nation from the people of Japan, is an annual inspiration to photographers and a “must-see” natural wonder calling everyone outdoors.
For the 16th year, the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia presents the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia from April 1-26, celebrating the season when thousands of cherry trees burst into bloom in historic Fairmount Park. The events of the Festival celebrate Philadelphia’s rich cultural connections with the art, music, food, natural beauty and industry of Japan.
Festival events officially began on April 1, announced by Mayor Michael Nutter, surrounded by adults and children in traditional Japanese clothing, who taught him a few Japanese greetings and sang him a traditional song about “sakura,” the Japanese word for the ornamental cherry trees which herald the start of spring celebrations in Japan.
The local festival began in 1998 and initially focused on echoing a sesquicentennial gift of 1,600 flowering trees presented by the Japanese government as a gesture of friendship in 1926. To date,the Japan America Society has planted more than 1,000 cherry trees in community parks throughout the region. Since 2008, cherry trees have been planted in Clark Park, Franklin Square and Morris Park.
Additional events throughout April include art exhibitions and film, Japanese food tastings, an amateur sushi-making class and competition, and Japanese storytelling at area libraries.
Festival event information is available by calling (215) 790-3810 or online at www.subarucherryblossom.org
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