Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Day and Night at the Awase Tug-O-War: Last Photo Essay


Costumed in traditional uniforms, prayer at Shinto Shrine, Torii gate



This will be my third, and final post on the Awase Tsunahiki.

 
With an action-packed week ahead, it's time to get the cameras ready for the next adventures.

It never hurts to arrive at these events early, as the scene above proved.

Sometimes, camping out, on location the night before, is the best way to go.

I had no idea, this sort of activity would take place at a shrine, the morning before the tug.


female performer gives Peace Sign



People were super-friendly and willing to have their photos taken.

That reminds me, I have to bring some prints, back down that way for this sensei.


street scene at night



As the sun went down behind the mountains, the street got crowded.


night scene of Tug-O-War challenges




Typical of most Okinawa Tug-O-Wars, challenges were issued.



Tugging rope after dark



Once they start yanking on the ropes, a sea of humanity, surges around it.



uniformed men celebrate victory



The guys from the East, quickly won the first pull.



costumed contestant rests, waiting for another round of rope pulling




Then, they got about a ten minute break, before going for a second round with the ropes.




final tug ends with victory by team from West



The second match, was won by the team from the West.

The rest of the evening would be spent having a party, to rival, Mardi Gras.

That's probably another good reason to campout overnight.

But, I had three cameras to download and, a long drive home so, I excused myself.



Note:  Photos above all taken with the Pentax K3 and 50mm 1.8 lens.







No comments: