ACCORDING to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Shan State), the fourth Cherry Blossom Festival took place over five days, from 1 to 5 January, in Loimwe, Kengtung Township, Shan State (East). The festival was first held in January 2022.
“The festival was held during the cherry blossom season and lasted for five days. It attracted many locals from eastern Shan State, including people from Mongkhet, Mongyawng, Mongla, and Tachilek, who came in traditional costumes. Last year, over 90,000 people attended, but over 70,000 people visited this year. Cherry trees were first planted in this area during the colonial era, and over generations, hundreds more have been added. As a result, the entire forest is covered with cherry blossoms during the season. There are over 1,000 cherry trees in the Loimwe area,” said U Htin Aung Naing, Head of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism (Shan State).
The festival features traditional dance performances by local ethnic groups, music performances by local singers, and a market offering local products.
In Myanmar, Chin State and Shan State are home to the most cherry trees. In Loimwe, two types of cherry trees – sweet and bitter – bloom alternately, and the cherry blossom season lasts for about a month. Cherry blossom festivals are also held in other Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, and cherry trees are highly regarded in Japan. — ASH/MKKS
