Cherry blossoms bloom in Washington (13 images)

A gift from Japan in 1912, Washington's cherry blossoms are the main attraction now as they reach "peak bloom," bathing the Tidal Basin in shades of white and pale pink. Begun in 1935, the National Cherry Blossom Festival which this year runs from March 20 – April 17, celebrates the close ties between the United States and Japan with parades and musical performances.

A woman takes a selfie with blooming cherry blossom trees at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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Cherry blossoms are seen in peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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Crowds walk under blooming cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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Cherry blossoms are seen in peak bloom at the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2016. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

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