Spring is slowly, but surely showing itself in Richmond and with it, flowers are beginning to bloom. Even the cherry blossom trees are finally revealing hints of pink in anticipation of the city’s Cherry Blossom Festival on April 8.
Last year, the B.C. Wakayama Kenjin Kai, an association that promotes the legacy and heritage of Wakayama culture in Richmond, hosted the city’s inaugural Cherry Blossom Festival with funding from the Richmond Canada 150 Celebration Grant Program. The festival is back again this year and this time, will be hosted by the city with a focus on harmony.
“We wanted to introduce it to the community to experience a touch of authentic, Japanese custom and tradition of the cherry blossom as it’s celebrated in Japan,” Jim Tanaka, who helped organized the first festival with B.C. Wakayama Kenjin Kai, told the Richmond News.
“When you look at Richmond itself, it’s one of the most unique and diversified communities in the world and to me, there is so much disharmony in this community.”
Celebrating the arrival of spring and the blooming of the cherry blossoms, the traditional, Japanese festival highlights a culture where cherry blossoms signify a time of renewal and the cycle of life. Every year in Japan, cherry blossom celebrations are a significant civic event, Tanaka said.
The blossoms don’t last long, however, and the petals begin to fall just two weeks after they bloom.
“For us to bring the Richmond diversified community together, to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones and rekindle the sense of community and to celebrate the return of spring and enjoy the transience and beauty of 255 Akebono cherry trees in full bloom, that is our main goal,” Tanaka said.
Richmond’s Cherry Blossom Festival takes place amongst 255 Akebono cherry blossom trees at Garry Point Park. The free, rain-or-shine event will feature traditional Japanese music, dance, food and activities.
As part of the festival, attendees can picnic under the blossoming trees, a tradition that’s hundreds of years old and is known as “hanami,” or “watching blossoms,” which is something Tanaka would like to see implemented even more in future festivals.
“It gives an opportunity for the Japanese community and also us Japanese Canadians to introduce our tradition and custom to the diverse community,” Tanaka said.
“We all have individual cultures, by why can’t we all come together? That is why I say we rekindle the sense of community. That is key to us this year.”
Where: Garry Point Park, Steveston
When: April 8, 2018, 11:00am - 4:00pm
More at: https://www.richmond.ca/discover/events/cherryblossomfestival.htm
