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10,000 to strut stuff on SundayBy: Bill Charles Date Posted: 2006-07-28   Ten thousand drummers and dancers will parade along Kokusai Dorišs length starting at three ošclock. The annual parade is expected to run four hours. Eisa, a traditional Okianwan dance featuring taiko drums, is extremely popular everywhere on the island. It is a mainstay during Obon, a Buddhist holiday which honors the spirits of ancestors. Eisa week began last Sunday, when a half-dozen dance troups performed at Palette Kumoji on the southern end of Kokusai Dori. Various smaller Eisa demonstrations and exhibitions have been taking place throughout the week. Eisa Ashibinaa is the final evening of show performances, with groups performing at three separate downtown locations. Performances run from 7:00 to 8:30pm. There will be action at Palette Kumoji Plaza, in the mini park in front of Naha Tembus Hall on Kokusai Dori, and in front of Okinawa Prefecture Hall. All performances are free. A big pre-parade fills the streets Saturday afternoon from 2~5pm, as Eisa dancing begins in front of Palette Kumoji, then moves on into the park in front of the Prefecture Hall at Citizensš Park for a second round of musical fun from 6:00 to 8:30pm. Whatšs even better? Therešs more Eisa across the islands, and itšs all free. The eastern suburban community of Yonabaru hosts its own festivities, including Eisa and a tug-of-war. Therešs also the Miyako Island Summer Festival 2006 on Friday and Saturday. Festivities begin at 6pm at the Ichiba Dori on Miyako Island, in Hirara City. Getting There To Naha, travel south on Highway 58. The first opportunity in Naha to turn left to Kokusai comes shortly after passing Tomari Port//Tomarine Hotel. At the next intersection, turn left at the Roynet Hotel traffic signal. Kokusai is about one-half kilometer away. Three other left turns can be made at Matsuyama Crossing, Kumoji Intersection and Izumizaki. All are marked. Be assured traffic will be heavy, and we recommend parking farther from Kokusai Street itself and walking to the festival areas. To Yonabaru, which is east of Naha City, travel highway 330 or 331 and look for the street signs. Once in the city, there are signs directing festival goers to the parking areas. |
   
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