National Cherry Blossom FestivalOne of Washington DC's most famous events, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the arrival of spring, and commemorates the original gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the city from the people of Tokyo in 1912 as a symbol of friendship between the two countries. Visitors flock to the city to admire the beautiful pink and white blossoms that surround the Tidal Basin and to join in the festivities that include a cultural blend of music, dance and art demonstrations and performances from Japan and Washington, a fireworks display and parade.
The Parade is the festival's biggest event with spectacular floats, marching bands, costumed dance groups and giant helium balloons. A Japanese Street Festival after the parade exhibits the traditions, arts and food of Japan.
Venue: Tidal Basin
Date: 28 March to 12 April 2009; Parade 4 April
Website: www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org
Smithsonian Folklife FestivalThe Folklife Festival is a unique Washington DC tradition and is the largest annual cultural event in the city. It is a living cultural exhibition that celebrates the heritage of different states and regions as well as international communities, and includes music and dance performances, craft demonstrations, storytelling, exhibits, traditional food and cooking demonstrations, and workshops.
Venue: National Mall
Date: 24 - 28 June and 1 - 5 July 2009
Time: 11am to 5.30pm
Website: www.folklife.si.edu
National Independence Day CelebrationOne of the largest Fourth of July celebrations in the country, the capital puts on a grand show to celebrate the nation's birthday, with the city's biggest and most impressive parade, music concerts, arts and crafts, an evening performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the steps of the Capitol building, and one of the country's largest fireworks displays.
Venue: National Mall
Date: 4 July 2009
Time: Parade 11.45am; fireworks 9pm
Website: www.july4thparade.com
Chinese New Year ParadeWelcoming in the Chinese Lunar New Year are spectacular lion and dragon dancers accompanied by the celebratory sounds of drummers, musicians and firecrackers. The colorful festivities wind through the streets of Chinatown where authentic food is laid on by the local restaurants. For more information contact the Washington DC Convention and Tourism Corporation on 202 789 7000. The year 2008 is the Year of the Rat.
Venue: Chinatown
Date: 14 February 2010
Time: 2pm
St Patrick's Day ParadeDue to its increasing popularity this annual event has been dubbed 'The Nation's St Patrick's Day Parade' and is a family day in celebration of the Irish culture. The festivities include Irish musicians, dancers and singers, marching bands, pipe bands and floats.
Venue: Constitution Avenue
Date: 17 March, annually
Website: www.dcstpatsparade.com
Smithsonian Kite FestivalTraditionally part of the Cherry Blossom Festival festivities, the annual Kite Festival is one of Washington DC's most popular events where kite aficionados can show off their skills and compete for a variety of awards, both serious and fun. Kite enthusiasts come from around the US, and the world, and compete in a stunt kite flying competition, as well as the final Rokkaku Battle in which individuals or teams try to cut or ground the other kites.
Venue: Washington Monument
Date: 28 March 2009
Time: 10am to 4pm
Website: www.kitefestival.org
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Related Washington DC Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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