Friday 6 July 2012

T.G.I.F.: Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri

This weekend, of course, is Japan's famous Tanabata Matsuri (Star Festival) and particularly noteworthy are the festivities in Hiratsuka which claims to host the largest (with the exception perhaps of the Sendai Tanabata Matsuri) festival of its kind in Japan. Tanabata typically celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively) who, according to legend, are separated by the Milky Way and are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. The day is usually marked with community events, much yukata-wearing, iconic displays of colourful streamers, and plenty of food stalls. Think Valentines Day meets Mardi Gras... in Japan. The Shonan Hiratsuka Tanabata Matsuri takes place between Friday, July 6th and Sunday, July 8th in Hiratsuka. Click the image below for more details (Japanese only)...

5 comments:

  1. We have made our Tanabata wishes and tied them to a bamboo tree. Hope yours coming true during Tanabata.

    Japan Australia

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    Replies
    1. I wished for no more bugs in my apartment. Do you think that's okay?

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    2. haha that's a very interesting wish! XD I hung my wish at a shrine at Kinosaki, Hyogo over the weekend!

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    3. You can only try! Hope it comes true :)

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    4. So far the wish is working! Hope yours come true too!

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