By the way, spring started last Wednesday, and as if they knew it, the cherry trees in the Olympic Park put on their blossoms just in time – for about a month the park shows its pinkest side.
The trees were planted 52 years ago – at that time the Summer Olympics were taking place in Munich, while a few months earlier the Winter Games were being celebrated in Japan, in Sapporo.
dpatopbilder – March 22, 2024, Bavaria, Munich: People look at the cherry blossoms in the Olympic Park. Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa +++ dpa-Bildfunk +++
(Photo: Sven Hoppe/dpa)
To mark this occasion, the Bavarian and Japanese cities entered into a twin town relationship that continues to this day. And as a welcome gift, so to speak, the Japanese sent the cherry trees to Munich.
The people of Munich returned the favor four years later and gave Sapporo a real Bavarian maypole, 25 meters high, which was set up in Odori Park. It lasted at least 24 years until it became dilapidated and was replaced by a new one in 2000.
The cherry trees in the Olympic Park, on the other hand, are alive and show it every spring with their blossoms – so pink that Barbie would be jealous.