TheShrineFestivals

SUOMEKSI
Japan has two main religions historically, Shintoism and Buddhism. There is a Shinto shrine in Kubonai village and in Sobetsu town. Every Fall each shrine has a festival,and the students of the local schools take participate by carrying the "mikoshi" or portable shrine around the town or village to "bless" or sanctify the area. The students aslo put on a special shirt called a "happi" (pronounced hoppy) as part of the festival. In the evening of the designated day, there is also a special program at the shrine, with booths for people to buy various souvenirs and food and beverages (do I notice a trend here... or what?)
The "mikoshi(s) are made ready, one for the elementary students and the other for the Jr. High students.

the Elementary school "mikoshi"	And the one for the Jr. High

....setting off with the mikoshi and donation box	the town is also decked out for the festival

they perform a dance for each donation	and the elementary school group

well hello! a lion dancing for a donation	and those jaws do clack loudly!

The pre-schoolers and elementary school students have made	these "lanterns" that line the walkway to the shrine and are candle lit.

and there are booths for souvenirs	and refreshments