For centuries, Japanese families have ushered in spring by gathering under cherry blossom trees, taking in the exquisite sight of the flowers — a symbol for new beginnings and hope.
As these flowers, which peak from late March to early April, usually last no more than two weeks, they have also come to represent the evanescence of life and beauty in Japanese culture. They are celebrated every year in hundreds of festivals throughout Japan and across the world.
And this weekend, Torrance will do the same.
The city will host its annual Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 26, at Columbia Park, 4045 190th St.
The event is a partnership among the Torrance Community Services Department, Soka Gakkai International-USA, the North Torrance Neighborhood Association and the Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild.
The who attend the free festival will get first-hand experience of Japanese culture, with the event featuring the resounding beats of taiko drummers, performances by Asian American musical artists and dancers, and delicious food. Folks can also try mask painting, said Torrance Cultural Services Manager Monica Harte.
The assortment of culinary items will include bento boxes and Hawaiian doughnuts. Various food trucks and vendors who frequent farmers markets will be on site. Among those is The Deli Doctor, a food truck known for its burgers and sandwiches, which will attend the festival for the first time, said Tadashi Masumoto, who works in management aid for the city’s cultural services division.
The event was born in 2012, when Soka Gakkai International, a Buddhist organization, donated 20 cherry blossom trees to the city as a symbol of friendship, Masumoto said. Since then, 20 additional cherry trees have arrived in the city from Japan every year; they get planted at various locations, including near City Hall and at Columbia Park.
Some of these trees have already started to bloom, despite the heavy rainfall in recent weeks, Harte…
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