Festivals and kimonos

On Friday night I was at a local bar with the international crowd (the same bar where evil centipedes attack). B' invited me to join them for fireworks the next evening. Then N' said she was going to meet up with B' before the event to help her put on her kimono. I thought N' was also going to be in attendance; unfortunately, she had to work. She did, however, offer to lend me one of her kimonos. So that is how I came to have a fabulously-unexpected N' night. 

Getting dressed for the evening. N' helping me into her yukata

In summer, most major cities in Japan have fireworks every weekend. This past weekend was the largest in N': with 30,000 fireworks over 50 minutes. The fireworks alone would have been great. 

Heart-shaped fireworks = love for N'

The fireworks were not the only special activity of the evening. 45minutes before the start of the fireworks, a parade began with floats from all of the sub-divisions of N. After the parade, women entered the field performing Japanese folk dances, wearing kimonos and holding a round uchiwa fan. The traditional Japanese folk dancing was both beautiful and fun. Their movements reminded me of Hawiian hula dancing. 

Folk dancing

Dancing along

Then the fireworks began. The combination of fireworks, music, and a field of dancing was almost overwhelmingly-perfect in creating a festive atmosphere. 

Just chillin' with some samurai 

My whole evening took place in a yukata. A yukata is a summer kimono. Instead of silk, they are made from cotton(?) and very airy. They are also much more affordable. I am considering purchasing a yukata. Aside from one Halloween, it is difficult to find a time to wear a kimono in the US (outside of San Francisco). I found a Japanese festival scheduled for September in A-T-L. There are so many great activities at the festival, I really hope to attend! Company welcome*