Annual Boat Races in Itoman Harbor
It seems like summer arrived a bit early this year.
Blue skies, most of the day, made it a perfect time for going outdoors and enjoying a festival.
Before the sun came up, I was in the office, preparing cameras and lenses.
And, I left the lights on, knowing it would be after sunset by the time, I returned.
Most places in Okinawa call these Harii Boat Races.
Westerners usually call them dragon boat races.
In Itoman, the sabani boat races are called Hare and they signal the end of rainy season.
Coincidentally, the word hare, is Japanese for, sunshine.
For events, like this, I carry two cameras and three sets of lenses.
It would be nice to photograph every team as they race and, I try but, usually miss a few.
There are a few thousand spectators at these events.
Luckily, a local sabani team, invited me to stay in the shade of their tent, alongside the port.
When the sun gets directly overhead, a person could easily suffer heat stroke.
They even offered some cold beer but, I chose green tea instead.
The crowds go wild, cheering for their teams, while beating drums.
They have unusual colors for some of the team's uniforms and, it makes me glad.
I'm glad, I am not a fashion coordinator. Oops!
Knowing it would be a very long camera day, I try to pace myself.
There is a lot more that will be going on at this festival than, just boat races.
Besides all the festival food and game booths for children, there's more.
Many people just come to watch or, participate in the sabani boat races.
Itoman is famous for the fishing ports and industry but, they have farmers, too.
Their contribution to the festival may be seen here.
Watermellons and ducks are thrown into the sea for festival-goers to catch.
And, whatever you catch, you get to take home, for free !
Very few people remain, after the boat races, for this cultural event.
Hang around with one of the sabani boat teams and follow them, into the evening.
They go to the home of a priestess (noro) after the races.
They enter the home to pray and drink some sake.
Before leaving, they carry their boat paddles, form a circle and, sing and dance.
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