Spring is slowly, but surely showing itself in Richmond and with it, flowers are beginning to bloom. Even the cherry blossom trees are starting to show hints of pink in anticipation of the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival on April 8.
Last year, the BC Wakayama Kenjin Kai hosted Richmond’s inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival with funding from the Richmond Canada 150 Celebration Grant Program. The festival is back again this year and this time, will be hosted by the city.
Celebrating the arrival of spring and blooming of the cherry blossoms, the festival highlights culture where cherry blossoms signify a time of renewal and the cycle of life. The blossoms don’t last long, however, and the petals begin to fall just two weeks after they bloom. As part of the festival, attendees can picnic under the blossoming trees, a tradition that’s hundreds of years old and is known as “hanami,” or “watching blossoms.”
takes place amongst 255 Akebono cherry blossom trees at Garry Point Park. The free, rain-or-shine event will feature traditional Japanese music, dance, food and activities.
