The 79th Minato Matsuri in Shiogama

A couple of days ago on Monday the 20th, Shiogama hosted its 79th iteration of the Minato Matsuri festival.

Despite temperatures that were at one point over 30° C, vendors lined the streets ready to sell various treats to adults and children. The crowds didn't seem as thick as they have in some years and I'm not sure if that's because of the heat or maybe the time of day that we finally emerge from our apartment. I couldn't make us get out of the house before noon and it was so hot that we just waited until about 3:00. Luckily we saw the beginning of some of the festival dancing, which usually happens along the street and moves toward the main entrance to the shrine. 

After a little bit of walking and watching, we noticed that apparently the powers that be decided to change up the route and now the answers will only dance directly in front of the judges.

I will admit that this would have saved me from nearly catching heat stroke the several times that we did march through the parade which has stretched so much further.

We had a great time in any case.