Cherry Blossoms Inspire Celebrations

Spring has… kind of… sprung in Philadelphia. Okay, it’s still pretty damn cold, but the calendar doesn’t lie. And springtime in Philly can mean only one thing – cherry blossoms. Ever since 1926, when the Japanese government gifted 1,600 flowering trees to the city in commemoration of America’s 150th birthday, the turning of the season has been associated with the sight and scent of delicate pink blossoms. Just as the Japanese celebrate cherry blossom season with festivals, food, and drink, so does the city make merry.

The beauty of cherry blossoms in bloom has inspired two festivals in Philadelphia.

The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Philadelphia is in full swing, even if the cherry blossom crop is not. Lasting a week, the festival is chock full of Japanese-themed events and springtime excitement. There was a sushi-making expo held at Liberty Place with sushi guru Madame Saito, including a hands-on demonstration that incorporated that most Philadelphian of ingredients… Cheez Wiz. Runners can participate in a Cherry Blossom 5k and 10k, to be run beneath the canopy of flowers. There are flower-arranging classes, lessons in Japanese tea ceremony, Kabuki performances, origami displays, and a dine out event of local Japanese restaurants. All this will culminate in the main event of the festival, Sakura Sunday, which will be held all day on the 12th.

In addition, the Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania is also getting in on the cherry blossom spirit. The Arboretum is hosting its Japanese Cherry Blossom Celebration in honor of the 35 varieties of cherry blossoms blooming in its gardens. The event will take place over two Saturdays, the 11th and the 18th, and is free with the price of Arboretum admission.