23 April 2015

On Saturday 11 April 2015, the Cherry Blossom Park in Amstelveen was the venue for the 15th edition of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. This year the timing was perfect as all 400 cherry trees were in full bloom and showed their impressive pink crowns. The weather was fine when more than 500 guests arrived and walked from City Hall to the park, but as the speeches and performances proceeded in the spacious tent, some rain fell. In spite of the weather, the atmosphere inside was great. There the visitors were welcomed by the Chairman of the Netherlands-Japan Association Mr. E.F. Jacobs. Mayor of Amstelveen Mrs. Mirjam van ‘t Veld and Ambassador of Japan Mr. Masaru Tsuji presented short speeches. After the customary toast, visitors could enjoy many Japanese treats like sushi, taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with filling), takoyaki (ball-shaped octopus snacks), sashimi (raw fish) and green tea. Showcases of Japanese culture were presented by a Japanese choir, a taiko group (traditional Japanese drums) and a Japanese harp ensemble playing the world premiere of the newly composed piece ‘Sakura’. The ladies of the Ikebana Association demonstrated their artistic skills in flower arrangement and young students of the local aikido school demonstrated their sports. There was a special corner for children to enjoy origami and coloring. A professional make-up artist was there for the little ones who wanted their face painted with a special cherry blossom pattern. Celebrating the arrival of spring at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Amstelveen was again a real festive event for the whole family, Japanese and Dutch alike!

For more photos of the festival, please visit the official website of the City of Amstelveen:

　http://www.amstelveen.nl/web/nieuws/Kersenbloesemfestival-sfeervol-en-bindend.htm

　http://amstelveenweb.com/nieuws-Het-15de-Kersenbloesemfestival-met-prachtig-+blo&newsid=251268435

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