26th Annual Sakura Festival
With the trials and tribulations both Alabama and Japan experienced in 2011, we have chosen “Shinrai/ Reliance” for the theme of the 26th Annual Sakura Festival. 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 2012 Sakura Festival will bring us mutual friendship and understanding through varied events and activities.
Sakura Brochure 2012
Events
Matsuri in the Mall
Video
Photo Slideshow
2012 Haiku Contest
2012 Haiku Contest Winners (US)
2012 Haiku Contest Winners (Japan)
For additional information please visit 135 B.B Comer or call 205-348-5256.