Awaodori attracts over a million people every year and is a huge drunken dance festival. Located in Tokushima, Shikoku the festival is part of Obon which is the Festival of the Dead. Obon also features dances, that celebrate the return of deceased relatives, but families usually visit graves and get together.

It is believed to have begun by a feudal lord in 1586, when he hosted a drunken party, where a large amount of alcohol led to dance and song.

The whole city is enveloped with local dancers and dancers from other cities. The festival itself last 3 days from the 12th to the 15 of August and leads up to Obon. There is a lot of drinking involved during this period and many people get very intoxicated, this also includes many of the dancers.

There are a few different dances that are performed at different times of the day. The dances ares split by gender and involve different movements.

This festival has seen such great popularity that its is also emulated in other cities and Tokyo. More to come later....

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