27th Annual Sakura Festival
Celebrating the successes of the past year in both Japan and Alabama, we have chosen “Kibō / Aspire” for the theme of the 27th Annual Sakura Festival as we look toward the future. In traditional Japanese, the time of ohanami, or viewing of the cherry blossoms, reminds one of the paradoxically fleeting yet enduring nature of life, which is symbolized in the single moment when a cherry blossom petal detaches itself to float earthward. In contemporary Japan, friends joyfully gather whenever the cherry trees, called sakura, blossom. They meet to celebrate and to recognize friendship, the beauty of sakura, and good cheer under the boughs. Our own Sakura Festival reminds many in Alabama of fresh beginnings and the renewal of the spirit that comes with friendship. Thus, though we can never be sure when our cherry trees will blossom, we do know that the 2013 Sakura Festival will bring us mutual friendship and understanding through varied events and activities.
2013 Dates
* January 25: Sakura Event and Matsuri in the Mall Registration Form Due
* February 4: Haiku Contest Entry Deadline
* April 6: Matsuri in the Mall (at University Mall)
2013 Events
If you would like to participate in the 27th Annual Sakura Festival by holding an event, please contact Capstone International at 205-348-5256.
If you would like to participate in the Matsuri in the Mall by hosting a booth or performing a stage activity, please contact Capstone International at 205-348-5256.
The deadline for Event and Matsuri registration is Friday, January 25, 2013. Sakura events will be published in the annual Sakura brochure. Matsuri in the Mall booths and stage activities will be showcased in the video and slideshow after the conclusion of the festival.
2013 Haiku Contest
This marks the 27 th year of the Sakura Festival. Celebrating the successes of the past year in both Japan and Alabama, we have chosen “Kibō / Aspire” as the theme. If you would like to enter your original haiku in the Haiku Contest, please complete the entry form.
* Submission deadline: February 4, 2013
* English submissions are limited to Alabama residents only.
* Submissions are not limited to the 5/7/5 rule.
* Only three entries per person.
* Entries must relate to the theme of the Sakura festival.
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2013 Haiku Contest
2013 Haiku Contest Winners (US)
For additional information please visit 135 B.B Comer or call 205-348-5256.