The cherry blossom is the official flower of Washington, D.C. This association dates back to 1912 when the Japanese government gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the United States as a symbol of friendship. The trees were planted along the Tidal Basin and around the city, and the blooming of the cherry blossoms has since become a major annual event, attracting millions of visitors each year. According to the National Park Service, the cherry blossom festival typically occurs in late March or early April, with the peak bloom occurring around April 1st. The festival celebrates the beauty of the blossoms and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. The cherry blossoms have become a symbol of spring and renewal in Washington, D.C., and are a beloved part of the city's cultural heritage.