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Discover the Brazilian cities that celebrate the cherry blossom and understand why samurais saw in these petals a symbol of their own existence.
The presence of cherry blossoms on Brazilian soil is a direct legacy of the Japanese migratory flow that began in the 20th century, motivated by agreements between Japan, which faced unemployment, and Brazil, which was expanding its coffee industry.
Today, these trees — which reach between 6 and 10 meters in height — become tourist attractions during winter, especially in July and August.
Cities like Garça, in the interior of São Paulo, attract up to 130,000 visitors to admire the blooming, a number that triples the local population.
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The event not only boosts the economy but also serves as “(…) a symbol of resistance of a people who were attacked and suffered prejudice,” as defined by geographer Vitória Alves de Morais.
Where to find cherry blossoms in Brazil
Unlike the northern hemisphere, where blooming occurs in March, in Brazil, “sakuras” depend on the cold climate of the South and Southeast regions to awaken.
The species Prunus serrulata is the most adapted to our territory, coloring parks and squares with shades of white and pink.
Below, we list the main destinations for those who wish to appreciate the phenomenon:
- São Paulo (SP): Highlights include Carmo Park and Ibirapuera Park. At Carmo Park, festivities traditionally take place between late July and early August.
- Campos do Jordão (SP): The Cherry Blossom Park holds celebrations on specific weekends in July and August.
- Curitiba (PR): Tsunessaburo Makiguti Square is one of the iconic spots in the capital of Paraná.
- São Roque (SP): Bunkyo Kokushikan Park offers an immersive environment in Japanese culture.
- Garça (SP): Hosts one of the state’s most significant festivals, celebrating its historical connection with coffee cultivation.
Hanami and the Samurai’s Vision
The practice of contemplating cherry blossoms is called hanami. Although the custom has become democratic and festive in modern times, its origin in the 9th century, during the Heian period, was restricted to the aristocracy.
Lilian Mitsuko Yamamoto, a USP specialist, reports that nobles planted the trees to “contemplate them and make reference to the plant in poems and paintings. Before that, the custom was done with plum trees, but they were typical of China.”
Over the centuries, the fragility of the flower became associated with the warriors’ code of honor. The fact that the blooming lasted only 15 days before falling served as a spiritual lesson.
“It is a symbol of the transience of life, that it would not be a waste to die in the prime of life, as could happen to warriors,” explains Lilian Yamamoto.
Renewal and culture through the cherry blossom
Beyond its historical and military aspects, the plant carries a connotation of vitality for new generations. By blooming at the beginning of spring in Japan, it is a sign of new beginnings and abundance.
According to Janie Garcia da Silva, a Master in Botany from UFF, this connection is visual and emotional: “Because they are colorful and brief, they represent life for the Japanese.”
Furthermore, festivals in Brazil offer a complete cultural immersion that includes:
- Taiko performances (traditional Japanese drums);
- Typical gastronomy with seasonal dishes;
- Music and dances that refer to the immigrants’ provinces;
- Sale of artisanal products inspired by the flower.
The challenge of nature and climate
Despite being an annual event, predicting the exact moment the cherry blossom will open is a difficult task.
Vitória Alves de Morais observes that, in Garça, dates are based on estimates, but nature does not always cooperate, causing the flowers to appear before or after the festivals.
Therefore, for Brazilians who wish to see the sakuras, the secret is to closely follow the winter weather forecast and be ready for nature’s brief and unforgettable spectacle.
With information from Revista Casa e Jardim
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