Hounen Matsuri 3/7

Sake barrel, shortly before being opened

Drinking Sake

Harvest in Japan is mainly associated with rice. The main ingredient of sake is rice, that's why sake symbolizes harvest at this festival. Barrels containing sake are donated by local companies. Before the procession starts, they are opened by using a wooden hammer.

Sake being offered to the visitors

Then, the barrels are carried along the procession and sake is offered to all visitors.

Wooden ladles are used to serve the sake

The villagers in the procession use wooden ladles to serve the sake. They, as well as the visitors, like to drink a lot and everybody has a good time.