From now until Aug 7, the northern Japanese city of Aomori is celebrating Aomori Nebuta, a festival (‘matsuri’) that features bright, colorful floats like the one seen in our photo. The history of how the festival began depends on who you ask and what you read. But the way to celebrate is to join or watch the parade that is the centerpiece of the observance. The floats depict mythic warriors and creatures, and they move through Aomori accompanied by musicians, often playing flutes and pounding on loud taiko drums. The goal? To ‘awaken sleepy souls.’
The Aomori Nebuta Festival parade, Japan
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
-
Wild scene on the Merced River
-
A hint of spring
-
Rooftops in the walled city of Urbino, Italy
-
Madame Sherri Forest, New Hampshire
-
Jerte Valley in bloom
-
A day for our oceans
-
In honor of those we ve lost
-
Mute swan
-
Happy trails for the 21st century
-
Mackerel forming a bait ball to avoid predators
-
There’s a dog in there somewhere
-
I see one!
-
Tolkien Reading Day
-
Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
-
English National Ballet performing The Nutcracker
-
A rest stop for the birds
-
The confluence of the Arve and Rhône Rivers
-
Gateway to America
-
Wanderin Wawayanda
-
Snow buntings take flight
-
Celebrating World Water Day
-
Yi Peng Festival in Chiang Mai, Thailand
-
A visionary artist paints his own garden view
-
Get on your bike and ride
-
World Meteorological Day
-
Homeward bound
-
Gaztelugatxe at sunset, Basque Country, Spain
-
Rosa Parks Day
-
Surf s always up in Paia
-
Sky island views