Hamamatsu Festival, kite and night parade
On May 3rd, I joined the crowd at Nakatajima Beach. Over 170 groups were there, each with their own kite. These kites carried wishes for good health and growth. When the signal came, the kite battle began! Kites soared, strings pulled tight, and everyone tried to win. It was like a dance in the sky. I watched in awe as the kites twisted and turned, competing for the highest spot. The energy was electric! As the sun went down, the streets of Hamamatsu glowed warmly. I was part of the Hamamatsu Festival, a special event that happens every year. Let me share what I saw and felt during this exciting celebration. As night fell, the festival transformed. Huge floats, called goten yatai, moved through the city. These floats looked like palaces, covered in lanterns and beautiful designs. Skilled artisans had worked hard to create them. People played traditional instruments on top of the floats, and others cheered as they pulled them along. The air buzzed with excitement. It felt like stepping ...