One of the best times to visit Japan is on July as it coincides with the Gion Yamagasa (Matsuri Festival). This festival happens before and after the fourth Saturday of July, Friday through Sunday and for three days the Yamagasa is paraded around town. This is culture at its best in Japan.
What is a "Yamagasa"? Officially, these are very large colorful floats and the focal point of the festival. Actually the four regions (Higashi, Nishi, Tenraiji and Nakabaru) builds each a large Yamagasa for the men, small one for boys intended solely for the festival. So, all in all there are eight main floats during the festival.
During the day the large floats with twelve great
flags hoisted are carried for the parade, followed by the smaller floats for children. But at night, all the floats are transformed into a flotilla of pyramids of light-huge lanterns complete with colorful decorations. Each Yamagasa with 12 layers of 309 lanterns, 10 meters high, and over 1.5 tons in weight is carried on the shoulders of about 100 men.
As the entourage moves around town it lights the surrounding landscape and the effect is truly breathtaking. To move the Yamagasa is in itself already an art, because it needs the concerted effort of each of the 100 carriers. And to be certain that it glides successfully, carriers all in unison shout "yoitosa, yoitosa" in rhythmic chant accompanied by drums and cymbals.
This festival is actually a celebration as all the villagers who in 1802, were cured from an epidemic through the intercession of Suga-taijin.
by:
The Flagman
