Salem Celebrates Over 100 Years of Cherry Blossom Traditions

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For more than a century, the city of Salem, Oregon has held events to celebrate its cherry tree orchards and the Japanese cultural influence in the region. Throughout the month of March, local businesses host a variety of festivities to mark the arrival of the cherry blossom bloom, including traditional Japanese dinners at local wineries and a display of 30 parasols designed by Salem artists.

Why it matters

Salem's long-standing cherry blossom traditions highlight the enduring impact of Japanese culture and immigration in the Pacific Northwest, as well as the region's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. The annual festival brings the community together to honor these influences and enjoy the fleeting beauty of the spring bloom.

The details

The Salem Cherry Blossom Festival has been an annual tradition for over 100 years, dating back to when local resident William Fickling Sr. realized the cherry trees in his backyard were similar to the famous blooms in Washington, D.C. Fickling began gifting the trees to friends and neighbors, sparking a movement that has grown to include nearly 350,000 cherry trees across the city. Today, the 10-day festival features an annual pageant, a community fair, and musical performances, all centered around the stunning pink and white blossoms.

• The Salem Cherry Blossom Festival takes place every March.
• The cherry trees typically reach peak bloom throughout the month.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The 2023 Salem Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled for March 10-19, with the peak bloom expected to occur during the second week of the month.