A festival is in progress in Ushibuka. Check out the video if you're interested. -- Kirk
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The “Ushibuka Haiya Festival” opened on April 17 in the port town of Ushibuka in Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, drawing large crowds of spectators.
This year marks the 54th time the Ushibuka Haiya Festival has been held.
The first event is a mass dance held on the Ushibuka Haiya Bridge.
At 3:00 p.m., following a parade by kindergarten children, local junior high school students led the way. To the lively rhythm of the Ushibuka Haiya song, 260 dancers dressed in kimono and matching happi coats paraded across the bridge, chanting “Sassa, yoiyoi.”
On April 18 and April 19, a “Haiya Grand Dance” will take place, with a total of 41 groups and about 2,000 dancers parading through the shopping district.
Other events include a maritime parade of fishing boats, and the port town of Ushibuka will be filled with festival excitement through April 19.
Participants are also welcome to join the grand dance on April 18 and 19 on the day of the event.
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