Sakura

All seasons have their harbingers, but spring's seem to be the prettiest, especially in the D.C.-to-Boston corridor that we're strategically placed in. What makes springtime so lovely in these parts, you might ask? Well it's certainly not the weather we've been having of late. We were thinking more along the lines of the annual appearance of fluffy pink and white cherry blossoms on trees throughout Fairmount Park, commemorated annually with the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia. The 2008 Festival, coordinated by the Japan American Society of Greater Philadelphia, kicks off tomorrow and goes for two full weeks of springtimey, culturally enriching goodness. We've had a chance to talk to some of the folks at the JASGP, who highlighted a couple of can't miss events:

The Festival gets into full swing at 4:30 on Monday with the Subaru Cherry Blossom Sidewalk Parade down the Avenue of the Arts, featuring dancers, tamagawa and taiko drummers, and an official Mayoral proclamation to recognize the festival. After the parade, join the organizers and participants in the City Hall Courtyard. (Rain location: City Hall Room 202.) Free

Say parades aren't your thing, but alcohol is. Then you'll really be into Saké Fest, a chance for you to try dozens of different types of the traditional Japanese rice wine. The event, held at the posh Loews Hotel on April 9 at 6PM, will also teach you the perfect saké pairings for your food—and if you're one of those people who only thinks it pairs with sushi, prepare to be proven wrong. $55–65

Sakura Sunday, held next Sunday (April 13) starting at 11:30 in the morning, gives you the opportunity to actually see the cherry blossoms up close and personal in Fairmount Park's beautiful Horticulture Center. Come for the flowers, stay for the dancing, martial arts demonstrations, food, and massage. Free

Of course, if you want to celebrate Japanese tradition and fill your stomach at the same time, the JAGSP has also organized Dine Out Japan, five days for you to get your sushi fill at ten different Japanese restaurants in Philadelphia. Just present your coupon [PDF] at any of the participating restaurants and get 20% off your total bill. What's better than good sushi? Good cheap sushi. Prices vary by restaurant.

This was just a small sampling of the events happening during the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. For information on all of the other events, be sure to check out the festival's website.

Image Credit: Flickr user Paraflyer