![]() ![]() Its purpose is to raise money for HIV and AIDS research therefore, its decorations, candy, and souvenirs are often “modeled after symbols of fertility.” What: Also known as the Festival of the Steel Phallus, this festival is considered one of the more “unusual” and “infamous” of Japan’s summer festivals. Where: Tokushima, in the region of Shikoku. Bon-Odori dancers wear straw hats and yukata kimonos. Each evening, the streets are awakened to the sound of drums, shamisen – a traditional guitar-like instrument with three strings – and other instruments. Having been celebrated for over 500 years, it is one of the most famous events in the country, and boasts of being the largest festival. It is a holiday of family reunion when the spirits of ancestors are thought to visit household altars. What: This festival is a part of the Buddhist Obon rites, which bid welcome to the spirits of the dead. It is thought that this festival has its origins in the Tanabata Festival, which was appropriated from China during the 700’s. The parades last for hours, and on the final day of the festival, fireworks are lit as the floats are literally set afloat on the sea. Each evening, parades of dancers carry illuminated floats. What: Considered one of the top three Japanese festivals, the Nebuta festival has been designated as a “ World Intangible Cultural Heritage” event. The Sumidagawa festival follows the tradition of being a competition between pyrotechnic groups. Sumida Park is the most popular viewpoint. Where: Tokyo, on the banks of the Sumida River, near Asakusa Station and district. In the event of rain, the festival will be cancelled. The festival attracts one million attendees annually, many of whom dress in traditional yukata kimonos. It celebrates hanabi, Japanese fireworks, and includes fireworks display competitions. What: The Sumidagawa is the oldest fireworks festival in the world, established in 1732. The festival received the designation of “ World Intangible Cultural Heritage” event in 2009. The famous parade begins at the Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto’s Gion district. Later, traditional neighborhoods are decorated with flowers, banners, and flags, and illuminated with lanterns. ![]() During the height of the festival, traffic is barricaded from Kyoto’s city center to allow stands and yatai stalls containing food and games to be set up. The wheels that mobilize the floats are often as tall as a person. Thirty or more floats may be used, each representing a distinct neighborhood or corporation of Kyoto. It is famous for its floats, which may be 25 meters in height and weigh 12 tons. What: The Gion Matsuri Festival dates back to the ninth century. Where: The Yasukuni Jinja Shrine, Tokyo, near Kudashita Station. Floats, traditional dance, and theatrical performances contribute to a festive atmosphere. Attendees often wear yukata, traditional kimonos made of lightweight cotton. Traditional food stalls offer their fare along the temple’s main alley. What: Twenty thousand lanterns light Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine for the four days of the festival. There are so many that picking the best ones if tough, but here are just a few of the most exciting matsuri festivals. Though most matsuri festivals are held over the summer months, they take place in every season so they’re worth keeping an eye out for whenever you go to Japan. However, during matsuri festivals, the streets are lined with food stalls ( yatai) selling special types of seasonal snacks with vary from festival to festival. Street food is not as typical in Japan as many other countries in Asia. Some of the festivals also feature some incredible fireworks displays. Almost all of them involve energetic processions where thousands of people dance, chant, and dress up in special clothes.įleets of huge, breathtaking, colorful floats ( omikoshi) parade through town centers and locals put up decorations. The celebrations vary greatly as each has features based upon the specific shrine but hey also have many similarities. Each celebration is based around an individual shrine which pays tribute to a different deity or a famous historical event. ![]() They are all spectacular, extravagant, and fun but also unique. There are countless local festivals (祭り, matsuri) in Japan each year. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |