The Cherry Blossom Kite Festival

This Sunday, April 10th, is the last day of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, ending with the Kite Festival. This is probably one of the most spectacular events of the festival. 

The kite makers and kite fliers from across the US and other countries will demonstrate their skills  including the Hot Tricks Showdown and the Rokkaku Battle. You can bring your own hand-made kite, make a kite at an activity station, or buy the official kite of the Blossom Kite Festival to fly on the Public Field.

The Blossom Kite Festival is located on the grounds of the Washington Monument, at five different areas: the Competition Field, Demonstration Field, Kite Display Area, Activity Tents, and Public Field.

Blossom Kite Festival Schedule
10:00 AM Opening remarks; Registration begins

Demonstration Field
10:15 AM - 12:00 PM Kite Ballets & Demonstrations
12:00 - 1:00 PM Youth Kite Makers Competition
1:00 - 2:00 PM Kite Ballets & Demonstrations

Competition Field
10:15 AM - 1:00 PM Kite Makers Showcase (Hand-made kites only)
1:00 - 2:00 PM Kite Makers Competition
2:00 - 3:00 PM Hot Tricks Showdown
3:00 - 4:00 PM Rokkaku Battle

The Hot Tricks Showdown is a competition in which kite fliers perform a series of maneuvers to place kites in spectacular flight patterns to the sound of 30 seconds of music. Whoever gets the biggest audience applause, wins. So don't be shy, and show your enthusiasm for creative kite fliers.

Rokkaku Battle features Rokkaku kites, traditional Japanese, hexagonal shaped fighter kites common in Japan. The Rokkaku kite battle originated in Japan, like the kite itself. The idea is to force your opponent's kite to the ground. Enjoy this spectacular show.

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons