[Okinawa Festivals] Do Okinawans climb dragon boats? Itoman Dragon Boat Race

The Dragon Boat Festival is approaching, will you go to watch the dragon boat race? But do you know that Okinawa has been climbing dragon boats since ancient times?

The fourth day of the fifth lunar month is the "Fourth Day" in Okinawa. Festivals are held in various places to thank the gods of sea and agriculture. The Itoman City of Okinawa holds an annual dragon boat race - the Itoman Dragon Boat Race (Itoman Dragon Boat Race), where everyone prays for safe navigation and a good harvest.

Itoman City is a place full of the traditional culture of "kai people (fishermen)". It is called "the town of sea people" and "the town of fishermen" and has a deep connection with the sea. The Dragon Boat Race is a large-scale local event with a long history, with a history of nearly 500 years. There is a popular local saying: "When the gong of the dragon boat echoes, it means summer is coming."

The Itoman Dragon Boat Race is mainly decided by the villagers of Nishimura, Nakamura and Nishima. In addition, there are also the "Youth League Dragon Boat Race" between young people from various local communities, the "High School Student-Teacher League School Competition" between high school students and teachers from different regions, and the "Occupational Field Competition" between companies. Dragon Boat Race" and so on. The whole city of Itoman will enjoy the fiery atmosphere of the dragon boat race together.

The competition uses a traditional wooden boat called "Sabune", which is a small boat used by people from the former sea to go fishing. Using precious traditional craftsmanship, the production is exquisite and delicate. Participants will put on traditional costumes and compete together. At the beginning of the competition, they will jump into the sea and capsize the dragon boat until the bottom of the boat is completely visible. Then they will fish out the water in the dragon boat and continue the competition.

The competition process is quite exciting and tests the contestants' skills, unity and momentum. Not only locals, but also many tourists make a special trip to Itoman City, attracting tens of thousands of people every year to watch the game.

Source of information and pictures:
Okinawa Times/ Itoman City Homepage/ Okinawa Story
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