阿波踊り Awaodori Tokushima, Shikoku, Japan Part 3
-=Takoyaki-King=-
During the festival a few local mascots make an appearance. These are usually from local companies and city mascots. The one above is a Melon mascot, no idea who it represents. I can't imagine how sweaty it must be in those costumes, as its still summer weather.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://farm1.staticflickr.com/761/20442291108_bfa8233a9b_o.jpg)
The image above shows a good example of what the female dancers wear during the event. The hat is a traditional hat worn by women and is called an Amigasa, they also wear a decorative kimono themed to their group and Geta sandals. Due to the strict movement of the Kimono their movements are more restricted compared to the male dancers.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://farm1.staticflickr.com/770/20007724814_c301d53982_o.jpg)
Another mascot for another company, big rabbit head.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://farm1.staticflickr.com/571/20621169062_cd5cdbd464_o.jpg)
In the above image groups of dancers gather for their turn in the organized event dance. This event dance is for show, down a set path, where they compete and show off to the crowds sitting in bleacher like benches. Usually you have to pay for these seats and it is a different dance to the free street dancing.
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5792/20621161532_075cb06838_o.jpg)
In the this area heavy crowds gather before moving to the bleacher benches, where they eat and drink and enjoy the festival. Crowds of tourists, locals and dancer mix and gather, enjoying their time there. Many of the locals also wear traditional festival clothing such Kimonos and Jinbei
![](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5813/20442253638_644546cb10_o.jpg)
More to come in my next post as the sun sets and the crowds get drunker....
Thanks for viewing, my posts are about the journey, the process and showing my experiences. Don't hesitate to ask questions. All the photos are mine and can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/takoyaki_king/ Follow me if you interested in photography and travel.
The photos tell their own story, like you don't even need the words to go with them
Thanks, yeah a lot going on everywhere.