The Shimizu Tanabata Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place in the city of Shizuoka, Japan. This annual festival is held in early August and is a celebration of the Japanese star festival, Tanabata. The festival is a time for people to come together and celebrate the summer season, as well as the legend of the two stars, Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are only allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month.
The festival is known for its beautiful decorations, which are made from colorful strips of paper called tanzaku. These tanzaku are hung from bamboo poles and are meant to represent the wishes of festival-goers. Visitors to the festival can write their own wishes on tanzaku and hang them up alongside the others.
In addition to the tanzaku, the festival also features a variety of food stalls, games, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese street food such as yakitori, takoyaki, and okonomiyaki, as well as a variety of other snacks and treats. There are also carnival games and rides for children, as well as live music and dance performances.
One of the highlights of the festival is the Tanabata Parade, which features colorful floats and traditional Japanese costumes. The parade winds its way through the streets of Shimizu, and is a sight to behold.
Overall, the Shimizu Tanabata Festival is a wonderful celebration of Japanese culture and tradition. Whether you are a local or a visitor to the area, this festival is not to be missed.
