Kotohira 琴平町 Festival in the Dark part 2

in #japan7 years ago

-=Takoyaki-King=-

Kotohira end of summer festival

The main event of this end of summer festival is the silent parade. Hundreds of locals dress in traditional clothing and walk along the streets of Kotohira up towards the main temple. They appear to be dressed as servants and retainers as an entourage of powerful families. Monks and priests are mixed with the walkers.

Most of the traditional clothing was of a white colour with people of distinction in more colorful clothing with gold ornaments. Many of the paraders carry straw torches. The parade was very quiet and seemed more like a funeral but was pretty interesting.

One of the main events involved horses, where they carry people dressed importantly up many stairs to the main temple, Unfortunately the horses moved very quickly and flashes were prohibited and i was unable to take any good shots of them.

The festival also had the usual food, drinks and games stalls where the majority of people would flock too before and after the parade.

The Majority of notable festivals in Japan are held towards the end of summer, more to come later on......

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Cool processions... What does the symbol on the lanterns mean? The imagery reminds me a lot of Holy Week in Spain, especially with the big candles.

Not sure what exactly but it may be the name of the festival and information.