FUKUSHIMA, May 26 (News On Japan) –
The historic “Soma Nomaoi” occasion, which boasts over a thousand years of custom and options armored horsemen parading in a scene harking back to the Sengoku interval, commenced on May 25 in Fukushima’s coastal area. Traditionally held in July, the occasion was rescheduled to May this yr to keep away from the extreme summer season warmth after a horse died from heatstroke final yr.
Soma Nomaoi traces its origins to a navy train carried out by Taira no Masakado, an ancestor of the Soma clan, who used wild horses as stand-ins for enemies. It has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
On May 26, the occasion’s highlights will embrace the “Kacchu Kiba Gassen” (Armored Horse Race) and the “Shinki Sodatsusen” (Divine Flag Competition), with the ultimate day of festivities set for May 27.
Source: Kyodo