Stunning GIFs of DC’s Cherry Blossoms in Bloom

— -- Locals and tourists have flocked to Washington, D.C. for this month’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. If you weren't able to make it to the nation's capital to see the dazzling trees, take a virtual view, sans crowds, with some cinemagraphs:

The annual spectacle is more than just a welcoming party for the start of spring, it commemorates Japan's 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the U.S.

The festivities are dotted with events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, the Cherry Blossom Princess Program and performances at the tidal basin.

Though the seemingly endless winter permeated into the cherry trees this year (the fluffy blooms were missing their famous pink hue), they were enjoyed by all while in full bloom during the this past weekend, the festival’s final days.