Global Economic Times

Anyang City, Gyeonggi Province, Holds Subdued 'Anyang Chunghun Cherry Blossom Festival' in Mourning of Wildfire Victims: KO YONG-CHUL Reporter / Updated : 2025-04-07 08:15:38

Anyang City in Gyeonggi Province significantly scaled down its annual 'Anyang Chunghun Cherry Blossom Festival' this year in consideration of the national disaster situation caused by the recent wildfires.

According to the city on the 6th, the cherry blossom festival, held over two days on the 5th and 6th, included moments of mourning for the wildfire victims, and a donation booth was operated to raise funds for residents in the affected areas.

Furthermore, food stalls and food truck operations, which posed a fire risk due to the use of open flames, were entirely canceled, resulting in a calm and somber atmosphere throughout the event.

At the central stage located under the Chunghun 2nd Bridge, the 'Cherry Blossom Song Festival' took place, featuring 12 citizen teams that had advanced through preliminary rounds. The 'Cherry Blossom Concert' featured performances by Anyang City's public relations ambassador Lee Jung-yong, as well as singer Jumi from the show 'Hyunyeokgawang'.

Ten citizen performance teams selected through a public contest presented diverse acts such as a cappella and guitar performances on stages set up along the cherry blossom path over the two days.

In addition, artworks from the Soulum Art Center, where local artists with disabilities are active, were displayed along the promenade. In the evening, the scenery offered a unique spring ambiance with the harmonious blend of landscape lighting and cherry blossoms.

Anyang City established and operated a comprehensive situation response team to prepare for festival safety incidents, including potential crowd surges.

Mayor Choi Dae-ho of Anyang City stated, "We prepared to ensure that citizens could participate in and enjoy the festival safely. We concluded the event in a way that allowed people to feel the energy of spring in nature, such as the cherry blossoms and Anyangcheon Stream, and also convey warm wishes to the residents of the wildfire-stricken areas who are going through a difficult time."