'Idyllic' Cherry Blossoms Reach Peak Bloom in Washington

Cherry trees lining the Tidal Basin in Washington DC reached “peak bloom” on March 29, organizers of the city’s National Cherry Blossom Festival announced.

Some DC residents were eager to take in the sights and smells. Among them was Stacia Cedillo, a recent arrival to the city who captured this timelapse video on a sunny Monday morning. Cedillo said she couldn’t view the blossoms last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“Got up early to see the cherry blossoms in peak bloom this morning!” Cedillo said. “They were absolutely idyllic,” she added.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, an annual springtime celebration in the city, was running from March 20 to April 11.

The trees were a gift given in 1912 from the people of Japan to the people of the United States, according to the National Park Service. To mark the 109th anniversary of the gift, two new cherry trees were planted at the newly built SW Neighborhood Library on March 29, festival organizers said. Credit: Stacia Cedillo via Storyful