Cherry blossoms, or sakura, have been a symbol of U.S.-Japan friendship since the Mayor of Tokyo donated 3,000 cherry trees to Washington, D.C., in 1912. Today, cherry blossom festivals, or sakura matsuri, are celebrated every spring all over the United States.
Nashville’s annual festival is a family-friendly, daylong celebration of Japanese culture in the heart of Music City. The steps and front lawn of the Metro Courthouse offer a prime location for the event which begins with a Walk hosted by Sister Cities of Nashville at 9:00 AM, followed by the ceremonial opening of the festival at 10:00 AM.
Festival goers will again be able to enjoy a “Taste of Japan” from the offerings of food trucks and Japanese food vendors; shopping at the “Ginza Marketplace”, sumo-suit matches, cultural lectures, a variety of children’s activities in the “Arts & Culture” area and performances of Japanese music and dance.
The Cherry Blossom Festival project is a joint undertaking of the nonprofit Japan-America Society of Tennessee, the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville and the office of Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and the government of Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County, with primary funding provided by civic-
minded corporate sponsors and individual donors and further assistance from a festival advisory council and working committee of active community volunteers. The mission is to plant 1,000 cherry trees over 10 years to beautify Nashville and provide a backdrop for the annual festival.
For more information, please visit www.nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org.
No comments:
Post a Comment