WASHINGTON DC, United States — The iconic cherry blossoms in Washington, DC, bloom around the Tidal Basin, creating a picturesque scene with their delicate pink and white flowers. These cherry trees, gifted by Japan in 1912, have become a symbol of friendship and a highlight of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Visitors from around the world flock to the nation's capital to witness the stunning display of blossoms against the backdrop of Washington's monuments and landmarks.


Photograph by David Coleman. The Washington DC Cherry Blossoms are a beloved springtime attraction that transforms the city into a sea of pink and white blooms. Located primarily around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, the cherry blossoms draw millions of visitors each year to enjoy their fleeting beauty and participate in the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival, which began in 1935, celebrates the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan, symbolized by the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo's mayor Yukio Ozaki in 1912. The most common varieties of cherry trees in Washington, DC, are the Yoshino and Kwanzan cherry trees. The Yoshino cherry trees are known for their pale pink and white blossoms, while the Kwanzan cherry trees bloom later, with vibrant pink double blossoms. The peak bloom period, when 70% of the blossoms are open, usually occurs in late March or early April, depending on the weather. During the peak bloom, the cherry blossoms create a breathtaking scene as they encircle the Tidal Basin and frame iconic monuments such as the Jefferson Memorial, Washington Monument, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The blossoms' beauty, combined with the cultural events and activities of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, make this time of year a highlight for both locals and tourists.


Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Tidal Basin, Washington DC, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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