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The Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia
A spring celebration of the culture, craft and cuisine of Japan
Date:
4/5/2008
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4/19/2008
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A Japanese tea ceremony in Fairmount Park
Photo by B. Krist for GPTMC
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Outsider Tip
Cherry blossoms have deep significance in Japanese culture and are a traditional motif in art, literature and cuisine. As Japan's national flower it is sometimes offered as a symbol of friendship to other nations. In traditional Japan the time of ohanami, or viewing of the ephemeral cherry blossoms, was said to remind one of the paradoxically fleeting yet enduring nature of life.
Additional Information
Event listings, performance schedules and ticket information are available here.
Get Involved
Cherry trees beautify the city landscape, improve our air and water quality, absorb pollutants and provide numerous other environmental benefits. You can sponsor the purchase and planting of a new cherry tree through the Japanese Society of Greater Philadelphia.
Whether it's enjoying the fragile pink blossoms of 1,000 cherry trees, listening to the thundering beat of a giant Taiko drum, creating origami masterpieces or honing your sushi-making skills, the 11th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival is the place to celebrate all things Japanese.
The centuries-old tradition of Sakura Matsuri, or Cherry Blossom Festival, takes place throughout Philadelphia and includes ceremonial drumming, martial arts exhibitions, a traditional tea ceremony, origami demonstrations, Japanese movies and a special sushi-making presentation, which features nationally recognized master sushi chefs from Japan.
Most events are free and offer something for every age to enjoy.
COME PREPARED
Locations vary but some of the best places to see the cherry blossoms are in Fairmount Park along Kelly Drive and near the Japanese House and Garden.
DON'T MISS
The amateur sushi contest on April 17. Contestants get a chance to test their sushi-making skills in a judged competition.
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