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2019 is almost here and so is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival! The Cherry Blossom Festival is a three month event that begins in January and ends in March. Originally started as a beauty pageant in 1953, the Cherry Blossom Festival is the longest running ethnic festival in the State of Hawai‘i.
The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates Japanese culture while it enriches the lives of young Japanese-American women.
The festival offers a variety of different Japanese cultural events focusing on education and professional development, most of which take place on Oahu. 15 Contestants learn about their Japanese heritage, improve their public speaking and develop skills through numerous cultural and training classes including taiko drum, Japanese calligraphy, and ikebana. Events before March feature a chance for contestants to practice public speaking skills, with additional entertainment ranging from drums to dances.
The 67th Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony is set to be held on January 13 at 10:30 AM at Japanese Cultural Center of HawaiʻI in Honolulu. The opening ceremony unveils the Queen Contestants to Hawaii and features a traditional Shinto blessing to bring peace and good health to everyone involved in the festival.
Need transportation to the Cherry Blossom Festival? Group shuttles and luxury sedans are available with IMI and our partners.
Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi
2454 S Beretania St.
Honolulu, HI 96826