Last weekend had festivals taking over Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues – the Cherry Blossom Parade and Sakura Matsuri, and the Emancipation Day festivities.
Cherry Blossom Parade
The traditional cherry blossom parade down Constitution Avenue has the cherry blossom queens and court, many bands, and enormous balloons.
Sakura Matsuri
Sakura Matsuri is a two-day Japanese festival on Pennsylvania Avenue, part of the Cherry Blossom Festival events.
Emancipation Day Parade
The DC Compensated Emancipation Act of 1862 ended slavery in Washington, DC, freed 3,100 individuals, reimbursed those who had legally owned them and offered the newly freed women and men money to emigrate. It is this legislation, and the courage and struggle of those who fought to make it a reality, that we commemorate every April 16, DC Emancipation Day.
D.C. Government website
Emancipation Day Fireworks
Fireworks on Pennsylvania Avenue, with the Capitol in the background.
