Spain's very own sakura: cherry blossom season in the Jerte valley

"The event they're waiting for is the flowering of the valley's cherry trees, which number about two million. So far, only a handful—a variety called Royal Tioga—have dared to don their frilly spring frocks. The rest are still clutching their drab grey winter garb. Predicting the arrival of blossom is always tricky, but thanks to an unseasonably wet March the trees are three weeks late when I visit."

"The nation most associated with cherry blossom is, of course, Japan. There, the sakura, or ornamental cherry blossom tree, has for centuries symbolised the transient nature of life, and for a few weeks in springtime, its delicate pink confetti blossom sprinkles streets and temple gardens. Millions join hanami, or flower viewings across the country. Spain's display is different. This is a rural spectacle rather than a mostly urban one."

The Jerte valley in Extremadura, Spain, is home to roughly two million cherry trees that create a major spring attraction for visitors. In late March, villagers anticipate the trees' flowering with considerable uncertainty, as weather significantly impacts bloom timing. An unusually wet March delayed the blossoming by three weeks during the visit described. Unlike Japan's famous sakura tradition, Spain's cherry blossom spectacle is primarily rural rather than urban. The valley's terraced hillsides create a distinctive landscape, and the event draws substantial tourist interest from Madrid and beyond. Tourist infrastructure adapts when timing proves unpredictable, offering alternative activities when necessary.

Read at www.theguardian.com