Spectacle

As one cliché goes, if you've got to end something, end it with a bang. So did Tokyo with its own way of saying goodbye to summer, capping the season with a colorful, sexy, spectacular extravaganza, the Asakusa Samba Festival.

 

Since returning back to Japan last 2008, I've never missed this event. The Asakusa Samba Festival is always a hit and everyone, from spectators to dancers to staff, does not mind the heat just to be a part of this send off.

 

sexy spectacle

a bonding of two countries 

colored harmonies

Last 2011, because of the earthquake, the festival was canceled. I always blogged about my experiences and 2008, 2009 Samba Festival were no exceptions. Last 2010, I did not have an entry about but I posted a photo in flickr and one of the revelers informed me that it was her, perhaps she was exploring the net that time. This year, I got the chance to see her again. Too bad their group was too fast, was able to click my camera only a few times.

 

Everyone can join the parade, young, old, men, women. The colors brought the streets of Asakusa to life. Who cares about the 33 deg C temperature?

 

As expected, the crowd last Saturday doubled as compared to previous years. Perhaps everyone missed it last year. Must be the heat, but there were 2-3 commotions that took place. We thought we had a good spot after arriving at the venue by 10 am. We were wrong, some of the spectators were already up by 6 am. Everyone was a photographer for a day. I wasn't in an ideal spot, but I'll take it.

 

The event seems to be never ending. The rhythm just keeps on beating, inviting all who are there to move their bellies. It's a one huge party. Party that you wish wouldn't stop. Until the last beat, the place is still shaking. This time, it's not about the earthquake.

 

What's in store for 2013 Samba Festival? Twelve more months to go and we will know the answer.

   

 /totomai

 2012/08/26