Shurijo Castle Festival – Traditional Procession November 3rd 2014

Shurijo Castle Festival – Traditional Procession Nov.3 2014

Before my more linguistically minded friends point it out, I realize that as jo means castle saying Shurijo Castle is a tautology, and may cause annoyance. However as the official title of the festival on posters and leaflets was Shurjo Castle Festival, I shall use their version.

Shurijo Castle Festival – Traditional Procession Nov.3 2014

On November 3rd the ceremony begins in the courtyard of Shurijo. The procession of courtiers, envoys, guards, regents, and of course the king and queen then parade out of the castle. They descend through the various gateways and along the main road almost to the monorail station.

Shurijo Castle Festival – Traditional Procession Nov.3 2014

Monday was a gorgeously sunny November day, but it did mean I was looking for patches of shade when shooting portraits.

Shurijo Castle Festival – Traditional Procession Nov.3 2014

There were many excellent fake beards on show.

Shurijo Castle Festival – Traditional Procession Nov.3 2014

There were also several priestesses (yuta) who were once the religious counsel to the royal family. They still play a role in modern Okinawa as mediums and advisers.