Sakura Festival in Dominican Republic

For centuries, Cherry Blossom festival is a spring celebration that is very much loved and annually celebrated in Japan and other countries can be as far United States, Canada, and in some European countries like Germany, Denmark. There is almost nothing more joyous than having a good time eating, drinking, reading or simply chatting, getting to know others under the cherry trees that are proudly boasting their fragile yet beautiful blossoms. The festival usually also includes other activities like cultural events, exhibitions, lots of foods and drinks, entertainments, children-friendly activities.

As suspicious as it might sound, about this festival in the Carribean where the weather is warm all-year round, the Japanese club over there did manage to make it happen although it is more a low-key type and rather small compare to the celebration in Japan or USA but you are guarenteed to still find the sakura flowers. Thanks to the absolutely beautiful mountainous town Constanza which situated in the central range or Cordillera Central at 4000 ft (about 1200 metres), in La Vega province where it is blessed with a rather 'cold' temperature. Well-known for its agriculture and crops production it is just right to house the cherry trees. The "Festival del Cerezo" opened to public for the first time in 2013. Due to its apparent success it becomes an anual festival taking place every January. Just like how the others are doing it, you can get traditional Japanese foods (yes, included Sushi - hell lots of Sushi!), drinks, performances, exhibitions, products sale and of course the cherry blossoms sight-seeing. 

I didn't take any photos of the stalls or the entertainment though. I didn't feel good already during the nauseous ride along the valley and my children got a little grumpy and wanted to go to see the nearby carrot fields instead which we did. I was hanging around mostly near the trees - quite refreshing. 
It has become one of my favourite festival, my husband's too. We intend to join again but it will be in Hamburg, Germany then. 

You can check out the Constanza festival's Facebook page here for more photos. 

And Hai, arigatou gozaimasu!