Spring comes to Washington

Spring weather sometimes comes to Washington in February and sometimes in March or even April. But for Washingtonians, the first day of spring will always be the last Saturday in March, when they celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The festival is also the largest U.S. celebration of enduring friendship between the people of the United States and Japan. This year's festival marks the 98th anniversary of the original gift of the 3,000 cherry trees presented by the city of Tokyo to the people of Washington, DC, in 1912.
Bare cherry trees explode with life and color in a matter of days.

Squares and parks look as if they have been specially decorated for the festival.

Tulip trees bloom alongside the cherry trees.

With cherry trees blossoming outside the U.S. Treasury Building, it seems like the end of the financial crisis must be right around the corner.

Kids enjoying themselves in the Washington squares that usually only see dark-suited officials passing through.

The annual Smithsonian Kite Festival is held around the Washington Monument on the first day of the cherry blossom festival.

Kite lovers from all over the United States bring their masterpieces to Washington to show off their beauty and flying ability.

Pink and white blossoms lighten the mood outside the United States Capitol, which houses Congress.

The generous gift of 3,000 cherry trees from the city of Tokyo is commemorated during the opening ceremony of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

Street musicians playing unusual instruments remind Washingtonians how easy it is to be happy.