At the Juri Uma Parade
Prior to the dances on stage and in the streets a few rituals take place.
The women in white robes are priestesses.
Running ahead with a camera, to get in position, I may have missed some events.
This scene shows those approaching a site for prayer and offerings.
It was the 5th or 6th spot visited along the way.
There were brief visits made to a priestess' home, a well and other sacred sites.
One of the reasons, I visit days or, weeks before an event is to be recognized by the locals.
It makes, everyone feel more comfortable and, I am not a stranger to them.
Much of Okinawa's recorded history was destroyed in the past.
And, it makes researching some events extremely difficult.
For those interested in Okinawan religion here's a link, in English.
Over 100 pages are included in this PDF about the Tsuji fire in the last Century.
Tsuji, is the district in Naha, where this annual event takes place.
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