Dondo-Yaki in the snow
上山田温泉地区のどんど焼きは14日に行われた。お正月の飾りや、去年のダルマなどを千曲川沿いの公園で山にして、燃やすという毎年に行う行事。今年は珍しく大雪だった。それでも近所の皆が集まって、新年の挨拶したり、新年のお酒を飲んだり、隅で焼いた餅や川魚を食べたり、大人も子供達も、大盛り上がり。
地元の伝統、深く根付いた。大雪にも負けない。
Kamiyamada Onsen's Dondo-Yaki took place on January 14th. For this annual event, the spent New Years decorations and the dharma dolls from the previous year at brought down to the park along side the Chikuma River and are burned in a huge bonfire. This year's ceremony was a bit unusual in that it took place in a blizzard.
Despite the heavy snowfall, all the neighbors gathered, made official New Years greetings to each other, drank sake, ate Mochi and river fish grilled over coals from the bonfire,
Adults and children alike, we all enjoyed participating in the event.
Not even the snow storm could dampen our spirits for this important annual community gathering.
