The Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri is hailed as one of the most exciting festivals you could ever go to. Was it ever! Who would've thought dragging around massive danjiris (intricately carved wooden floats) really fast around a city's streets (which were at times very narrow!!) could be as adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing and testosterone-charged?You feel the quick beats of the taiko drum and the addictive energy surge as a danjiri races past you, with a thunderous roar of people cheering as they pull and run with the float. You could feel the pride of centuries of tradition fire up each time a danjiri approached. The urgency of the crowd controllers as they warn of the approaching danjiri and its neighbourhood clan was palpable. No one else ruled the day but the people and their danjiris.
In the above photo, a part of the awning of this building has been damaged, hence the red tag on it. The danjiris have left their mark around the city's buildings over the years. There is even danjiri insurance available! This year no death has been reported, but apparently at least one person dies each year the festival is held.
You can see more exciting pics here and here.
