Aisatsu

Aisatsu

This blog is for family and friends, to share my feelings and photos with and for myself, to support my fading memory. Readers who have my site translated automatically, please refer to the original if necessary. Especially when it comes to identification. Any comments, anonymous or by email name are always welcome!.

Monday 18 January 2016

Oni-e fire festival in Oita

Another typical New Year's festival. If it doesn't involve a ball it's bound to have fire. And water of course.




Flaming torches bearing men are approaching. They all cross the Yakkan river on foot. The water level is high this year and only 6°C, but they don't seem to be too concerned. 







Once across a huge bonfire is lit, supposed to drive away evil spirits.
  






Then the men run around, yelling loud while banging on their burning bamboo torches. Sparkles are flying everywhere, we spectators better keep a distance!















Let's hope all this noise and hell-like fire will keep the demons that cause bad fortune at bay in the coming year.




Jaap's video for all the action and the noise.




 

















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