Photos by Chau Nguyen
April is cherry blossom season when the flowers are in full bloom, signifying the coming of spring. People all over Japan celebrate the seasonal transition by holding picnics and hanami, or cherry blossom viewings. While there are no cherry blossoms to be seen around here, that doesn't mean Southern Californians couldn't take part in the cherry blossom festivities. The 7th annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held on April 17th and 18th in Monterey Park, offered a myriad of cultural activities that gave festival-goers a glimpse of Japanese and Japanese-American culture.
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Taiko drumming by Yoki Daiko. Photo by Chau Nguyen.
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On the main stage, various performers entertained the attendees throughout the two day festival. There were traditional Japanese dances performed by groups such as the Bando Hidesomi Nihon Buyo class and the Hanayagi Rofukumi Dance group. Sounds of taiko drumming radiated throughout the park grounds with performances by Kinnara Taiko, Yoki Daiko, Taiko Center of Los Angeles, and many others. Showing off various martial arts styles and techniques were demonstrations by Kuntau Martial Arts, David Torres Kenpo Karate Demo team, and Monterey Park Kendo Dojo. There was also a fashion show that displayed elaborate kimonos. Allen the magician awed the audiences with his magic tricks while Phyllis Chang, the Korean American pop and jazz singer/songwriter, known for her soothing melodies and smooth vocal styling, charmed music lovers.
In between the acts, festival goers took time to peruse the park grounds and check out the various booths selling hand-made crafts and trinkets, ranging from jade pendants to Asian-styled purses and fans. Many people also participated in a Japanese tea ceremony and took Origami lessons.
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A member of Kuntau Martial Arts demonstrates a karate chop. Photo by Chau Nguyen.
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Of course, no festival is complete without food and there were numerous types to choose from. The food court offered everything from cold somen noodles to spam musubi and chicken teriyaki. There were also All-American eats like hot dogs and nachos, as well as burritos and tostadas. For those with a sweet tooth, there were baked goods, churros and mochi.
Even though this event is only in its seventh year, the Cherry Blossom Festival has had a long history in Monterey Park, existing in some form since the early 1970s. Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, it was discontinued in the 1980s, however, the festival was resurrected in 1997 by a group of community volunteers who yearned to provide a cultural arts event that would offer a forum for learning, entertainment, fun, and support for the community. Since its rebirth, the festival has continued to grow and thrive.