Various events are held every month, but in my opinion, the festival season starts in May when the summertime really begins. The holiday period from April 29 to May 5 is called Golden Week and wherever you go in Japan, there are many festivals or “matsuri” in Japanese.

In Okinawa during this period, the main event is the Naha Hari — a boat race that takes place May 3-5. There are long wooden boats, which are shaped like dragons, are usually green, yellow and black and may contain about 30 people arranged in two rows. The races take place in Naha Tomari Port and the opposing teams, usually three, have to complete the distance four times in a row.

The Hari dragon boat race was brought to Okinawa from China more than 500 years ago. Fishermen race on dragon-shaped boats called “Haryu sen”, praying for a good yield and a safe return. More than 20,000 spectators gather to witness this great event.

Last year I also took part in this race with the team from my school. It was really a great experience. Rowing is not as easy as you may think, but it’s really amazing. I can remember that day it was harder than expected because it was raining quite hard, even though it was a hot day. The competing teams are of all kinds – schools, athletic associations, foreigners and U.S. military. In addiction to the race, there are a lot of stands selling all kinds of items, and several live shows too.

Other traditional events are Eisa festivals. These take place in August and September in the main streets of Okinawa. Eisa dance is the most  popular traditional entertainment and can be seen everywhere in Okinawa. Only selected Eisa teams can perform in the Eisa festival. This dance is originally performed to the accompaniment of Buddhist songs. Okinawan people perform the Eisa dance to welcome ancestors to this world, remember and pray for them.

You can easily recognize Eisa dancers by their traditional costumes, and see them playing drums while dancing. Besides this, you can see classical Ryukyu performing arts and live concerts.

In October, there is the Naha Festival with the Naha Great Tug-of-War, a big celebratory event with a history of over 350 years in the Ryukyu kingdom. The massive rope used in the event is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest rope made of straw in the world. Thousands of people gather and divide into two teams of east and west. I was there last year, and the streets were full of people. If I remember correctly, the result was a tie.

Shurijo Castle, one of the symbols of Okinawa, in November hosts a Ryukyu kingdom festival. The theme is the Ryukyuan court culture, with a spectacular parade depicting the kingdom era. The procession features about 1,000 participants, including the king, queen, the Chinese delegation and splendid Ryukyuan dancers and artists. During the festival period at Shurijo Castle, you can also enjoy traditional performing arts including Ryukyuan dance and Kumi odori (musical dance drama).

One other event besides festivals is the Naha Marathon, one of the biggest marathon events in Japan. People come from all prefectures and also from other countries. About 20,000 participants take part in this race every year.

I have not run in this marathon, but some friends and also my girlfriend have taken part. If I have the opportunity this year, I’d like to run in it. It sounds very interesting and amusing too.

If you want to experience all these events and much more, just come to Okinawa and enjoy yourself. ANA can bring you here with for only 10,500 yen. Don’t miss this opportunity, don’t miss the FUN.

By Carlo Fornari