Cherry Blossom Festival - Washington, D.C. (part 2)

While the cherry blossoms themselves can be very unpredictable (blooming anywhere from early March to late April depending on weather), the National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each year during the first two weeks of April.

The lantern lighting festival which takes place where
the earliest cherry trees from Japan were planted.

cherry blossoms are found all around the perimeter of the Tidal Basin

There are also various concerts and exhibitions during the festival such as this kenjutsu demonstration below.

cutting bamboo

demonstrating with wooden swords

demonstrating with real swords