Festivals (again)

This is how much I love Japanese events and festivals. I promise this is the last post for festivals.

Yayoi Festival or Gota Matsuri is a festival in Tocihigi Prefecture that welcomes the arrival of spring. 12 towns will present their decorated floats along the streets of Nikko City on the 17th of April every year. This tradition dates back to the 8th century.

Sounds (and looks) familiar?

I think you are thinking about the Chingay Parade Festival in Singapore.

Every year, the Chingay Parade Festival will be held during the Chinese New Year festive season. It is suppose to welcome the arrival of spring with parade and floats too,but well, we all know that Singapore is summer all year round, so let's just take it as it is.

Unlike the Yayoi Festival in Japan, Chingay Parade Festival does not have a set amount of float presenters every year. However, the Japanese Association of Singapore is sure to be there every year to participate. This is how much the Japanese love festivals (just like me), they bring it to wherever they are.

As you can see, I am once again part of this event. I know it sounds like I am almost everywhere but, how can I ever miss a chance of wearing a Kimono? So yes, I am a participant of the Chingay Parade Festival 2010 as a Warabe Dancer in the Japanese Association of Singapore.
"Fun" is not exactly the word that I'd use to describe the experience. It was more than that, trust me.
Because of this event, I was able to make international friends as you can see in this picture to the left. Hint: I was the only Singaporean in it.

"Behind the scenes" of Chingay, we get to take pictures with whichever float we want.











There are definitely much more festivals than what I have mentioned so far in this blog (did I just say that the Japanese love festivals?), so I will put a link at the sidebar to direct to the Japan National Tourism Organisation Traditional Annual Events page. Enjoy!