The National Cherry Blossom Festival promotes tourism and commemorates the 99th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Japan.
Check out the latest pictures of the cherry blossom trees.Start the slideshow:
Sightseers are pictured under the early blooms of cherry trees as they stroll along the Tidal Basin in Washington, March 23, 2011. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington's springtime celebration (March 26-April 10), promotes tourism and commemorates the 99th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees from Japan. REUTERS/Stelios VariasThe Washington Monument is pictured amidst a stand of cherry blossom trees in Washington. Thousands of cherry trees were gifted to the United States by Japan on March 27, 1912, to foster the growing friendship between the two nations. Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year to welcome Spring. However, this year's festival will be under the shadows of one of the worst natural disasters that hit Japan early this month.REUTERS/Stelios VariasJapanese cherry trees are planted along the Tidal Basin near Jefferson Memorial in Washington. This year's Cherry Blossom Festival will have organizers raising funds for the victims of Japan's March 11 earthquake and tsunami.REUTERS/Stelios VariasTwo women pass by cherry blossom trees as they walk up 15th street in Washington. According to the National Park Service, trees will be in peak bloom on Tuesday through Friday, which is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the site.REUTERS/Stelios VariasThe Jefferson Memorial is pictured behind the early blooms of a cherry blossom tree along the Tidal Basin in Washington on March 23, 2011. REUTERS/Stelios Varias
