The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s organizers announced that they have canceled the 2021 parade, but the event will proceed from March 20-April 11 with changes in accordance with coronavirus restrictions.
“The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, a beloved part of springtime festivities for many decades, will be canceled for 2021,” said the organizers in a press release on Tuesday.
“The health and safety of our Festival staff and the attendees, sponsors, and other stakeholders remain the Festival’s top priority,” said Diana Mayhew, president and CEO of the festival.
“While we know the community will miss the tradition of the Parade, a striking and celebratory procession down Constitution Avenue, plans to present the 2021 Festival in innovative and fun ways are already underway,” Mayhew added.
A full schedule of the 2021 event is still in progress and expected to be revealed soon, with the official artwork planned to be released next month.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, a beloved part of springtime festivities, is canceled for 2021. Plans for a full schedule of safe and spectacular programming for The Festival in 2021 is underway, with more details coming soon! 🌸 https://t.co/ANZfWwU4HL pic.twitter.com/YVJqRNl5gN
— National Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸 (@CherryBlossFest) October 20, 2020
The festival team has been working with the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office, the National Park Service, and other officials, partners, and stakeholders to plan and provide a variety of 2021 National Cherry Blossom Festival programs that will engage the community and embrace springtime in the city, according to the release.
You can visit the festival’s website or follow its social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for further details.
DC’s iconic event is one of the world’s most renowned celebrations of spring.