The peak bloom for the 2013 cherry blossoms is expected to come March 26 through 30, the National Park Service announced Monday. The peak bloom is when 70 percent of the blossoms are open and the average peak bloom date is April 4.
This year marks the 101st anniversary of the gift of the trees from Japan to the United States. In 1912, Japan sent 3,020 cherry trees of several varieties to Washington. Many of those trees were planted around the Tidal Basin, East Potomac Park and on the White House property, according to the park service.
The very first Cherry Blossom Festival was held in 1935 and continues annually. The 2013 Cherry Blossom Festival runs March 20 through April 14, and includes the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 13.
To make sure you do not miss the peak bloom, the National Park Service has created a live Web cam of the Tidal Basin. Now you can monitor the bloom progress to decide when to plan your trip.
To accommodate people traveling to and from the cherry blossoms, Metro announced this week that it would curb weekend track work between March 23 and April 14. On average, Metro ridership increases 15 percent during cherry blossom season — and it can double on nice days on the weekends.
What is your Cherry Blossom tradition? Do you have a favorite place for photos?
