Festival of Fire pt1

Another crazy day in the life of the people of Noto Peninusla. A long time ago the villagers suffered badly from some kind of plague which they blamed on evil spirits. So ever since, they do this annual ceremony to scare the evil spirits away by violently trying to destroy a small portable shrine with fire, water and smashing it about.

It seems to work since they haven’t suffered since.

I took alot of pictures so here is the first installment covering the early evening while it is still light.

Also there are a lot of these big things being carried along the streets with kids sat in them playing flutes and drums:

A dog dressed for the occasion:

The shrine being toasted and smoked:

Into the harbour with it:

Now turn it over and over:

The men are all 23 or 43 years old.

Haul it out of the water:

Now give it a roasting with the fire:

Turning it over and over smashing it down onto the flames:

Stay tuned for the evening action….