Photos

Aoba Matsuri is held on the third Saturday and Sunday of May in the northern city of Sendai.

During the Meiji period, Aoba Matsuri was held on May 24th (the anniversary of Date Masamune's death) at Aoba shrine (Date Masamune was the most powerful lord in Tohoku).

The festival was stopped due to traffic problems in Showa 40 (1965). In Showa 60 (1985), Aoba Matsuri was restored commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Date Masamune's death.

Today, it is viewed as one of the 3 big festivals of Sendai and it attracts about 880,000 spectators and participants.

This photo is of a group of Suzume (sparrow) Dancers after they have completed their routine through the streets of Sendai.