Washington DC Photo Gallery
Washington DC is a beautiful place with a lot of beautiful people in its community. Our mission is to give parents, teachers, researchers, and visitors some ideas what to see in our nation's capital and surrounding area. There are over 12,000 photographs in our collection for you to explore.
Cherry Blossom in Washington DC Peak Bloom
West Potomac Park and the Tidal Basin with its flowering Japanese cherry blossom trees are under the care of the National Park Service. A horticulturist by the name of Robert DeFeo is the Park Service's cherry blossom expert and according to Mr. DeFeo peak bloom time (or peak bloom period) is defined as when 70 percent or more of Cherry trees are in full bloom. This is also the time which attracts tourists (both local and worldwide) to take pictures of cherry blossom trees so they can say they were a part of the DC cherry blossom experience.
Hidden from plain view, the world reknown city planner and Freemason, Pierre Charles L'Enfant, crafted a path for the enlightened to follow. Emanating from the East Portico of the United States Capitol building to Lincoln Park is a hexagram star pattern that can only be noticed from high above. Nations, cultures, and religions have have used this ancient symbol to represent their beliefs, government and money. Many historians believe this six pointed star invokes a higher esoteric form of spirituality. While traversing the streets of Capitol Hill, one can only speculate the grandeur influence this talisman has on American history. Come view the neighborhood of Washington's power brokers and decide all these things for yourself - you may even discover some hidden symbols known only to a few.
This gallery monitors the bloomming period of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The planting of cherry trees originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Japan. In Japan the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura," as it is called by the Japanese people, is one of the most exalted flowering plants. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a potent symbol equated with evanescence of human life and epitomizes the transformations Japanese Culture has undergone through the ages. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions.
Every year a 350-year-old stone lantern is lit in the Thomas Jefferson Tidal Basin. This formal ceremony commemorates the 1912 gift to Washington D.C. of 3000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan. The event includes traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries and the 70 Cherry Blossom princesses representing states, territories, and embassies. The lighting ceremony is held at the site of the first two cherry trees planted by Mrs. William Howard Taft and Viscountess Chinda in 1912. The Lantern ceremony is don't miss! Special thanks to Mark Rhoads of the National Conference of State Societies for his help with this gallery.
Location : Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. and 17 th St., SW.
Spring is the most anticipated season in Washington. March flower blossoms awaken our Nation's capital with bright color. The coming of the golden daffodils and forsythia urge Washingtonians to celebrate, as did Vivaldi in his Concerto in E ('Spring' in The Four Seasons) and Beethoven in his rather blustery Spring Concerto. The Biblical Song of Songs pays tribute to this glorious time of year. "See, the winter is past, flowers appear upon the earth and the season of singing birds returns."
In Washington, DC, Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl celebrated Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. Lent, in most Christian denominations, is the forty-day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. Ash Wednesday is a time for repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle plays a leading role in the nation's capital as the center of its Roman Catholic community.
Washington DC St. Patricks Day Parade
Whether or not your ancestors were Irish it's fun to celebrate St Patrick's day in Washington DC. Our parade is a fun time for the lads and lasses! The Parade is an Irish community endeavor that was started by the Irish American Club and is now held in cooperation with the National Capital Park Service. The parade starts at 11:30 am until approximately 2:15 pm on Constitution Avenue.
The Maine Avenue Fish Market of Washington, D.C., also known as The Wharf, is one of the few surviving open air seafood markets on the east coast. The Wharf has been a favorite spot for seafood lovers since the days of George Washington. Located on the Southwest waterfront under the shadow of Interstate 395, it stands as a cultural relic popular with locals but unknown to many of the tourists who flock to the monuments and museums just five blocks north.
The smell of raw seafood along with the theatre of various vendors shouting to the top of their lungs trying to lure customers to their stands selling everything from fresh fruits to steamed crabs. The prices flux with the market of fish. The constant bustling of tourists, office workers, and locals make the market an interesting place to people watch. If you havent been to the ...
Washington DC Chinese New Year Parade
Each year a parade is held in Chinatown in Washington, DC to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The event features the traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, Kung Fu demonstrations and live musical entertainment. The Chinese New Year is a 15-day event that starts with the New Moon on the first day of the new year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The first day of the year can fall anywhere between late January and the middle of February. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Ancient Chinese New Year is a reflection on how the people behaved and what they believed in the most.
Valentine's Day Lunch at the Mansion on O
Valentine's Day at the Mansion on O Street proved to me that magic exist, not just in the mind. Our host stood at the door waiting to show me the way. Our Valentine's Day Large bouquets of flowers surrounded endless dishes filled with fancy omelets, crepes, waffles, thick peppered bacon, and sausages of every type. Large banquet tables were filled with many varieties of international and regional food dishes. The colorful desserts were scrumptious sight to be seen. Cupid's spark hit me as I mixed cheeses and fresh berries in scoops of flowing chocolate fondue. Every moment a waiter appeared pouring champagne mimosas, juices, herbal tea, coffee, and diet Coke for my wife. We were giddy like school children when a heart shaped cake arrived at our table. Specially made to honor my heart's affection.
After we were content on...
