The "Morioka Sansa Odori", which colors the summer of Morioka with drums and dance, has started for the first time in three years.
The number of participants was limited due to measures to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, and the number of participants was smaller than usual.
"Morioka Sansa Odori" is a summer festival representing Tohoku where dancers dance while beating drums. .
The parade started at 6:00 pm on the 1st at Chuo-dori Street, where the Iwate Prefectural Office and other buildings are located.
This year, the number of participants was limited due to infection control measures, and during the four-day period, the total number of participants was 165 groups and 10,600, less than one-third of the previous time.
Also, in order to avoid crowding in the parade, one lane was used for the viewing area instead of the usual four lanes.
However, since it was the first festival in three years, many people came along the roadside, clapping their hands and taking pictures while watching.
A couple in their 60s from Morioka City said, "I was worried until the last minute whether the event would really be held due to the spread of infection, so I'm happy. Feeling the sound of the taiko drums makes me feel better."
A man with his 5-year-old daughter said, "For the first time, I was able to show my daughter a festival in Morioka. I would like to have her participate as a dancer in the future."
"Morioka Sansa Odori" is held from 1st to 4th.