Festival Float
Structure of festival float
A festival float is called “Neri” in Yokosuka. This festival float is characterized by a center pillar and a large rectangular lantern called “Mando”. The pillar is called “Shingenbou”, meaning God pillar. It is said that the God comes down to the festival float from the heaven through the pillar. A flower stabilizer, “Mando”, and a “pan lid” are fixed on the pillar. A doll called “Dashi” is put on the lid. Each festival float has its own “Dashi”. Some “Dashi” usually stands for a celebrity in history. Other “Dashi” stands for a famous scene in Kabuki. Some “Dashi” are so realistic that you feel that they are alive. The “Dashi”, the curtain called “Tenmaku” and the sculpture are as valuable as works of art. The “Mando” is used as a lamp. Long ago when they didn’t have any generators, a candle was put in the “Mando”. “Dashi” is regarded as a God of the festival float and “Mando” as a throne.
Mt. Kurama
(Nishi Tamachi に)
Futamigaura Beach
(Nishi Shinmachi 旭)
Inamuragasaki Beach
(Daikumachi せ)
Gojo Bridge
(Higashi Tamachi た)
Sunrise and a crane
(Higashi Shinmachi め)
Hikohichi Omori
(Gunzenmachi ゑ)
Doukan Ota
(Nishi Honmachi い)
Takasago, Old affectionate couple and pine trees
(Naka Honmachi は)
Boy breaking a pot
(Higashi Honmachi ろ)
Duel on the roof
(Nishi Obuchi み)
Queen Jingu
(Araimachi あ)
Prince Susanoomei
(Jurokenmachi ち)
Battle of Kawanakajima
(Kawaramachi か)