White Plains Cherry Blossom Festival Celebrates Japanese Culture

The 14th annual Cherry Blossom Festival was held at White Plains' Turnure Park on Sunday, April 28.

The cherry tree and its blossoms, known assakura, hold great significance for the Japanese people and are an important part of their rich history. In Japanese culture the cherry blossom represents the end of the winter season and the beginning of new life in spring as well as the ephemeral nature of all life.

They are a symbol of the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Viewing the cherry blossoms is an annual social and cultural event in Japan in which almost all citizens take part. 

Japanese samuri fighting, drumming, dancing, and music were demonstrated on the stage and local Japanese food and craft vendors were set up around the perimeter of the park. Click throught the photos above to see more of the annual event.