Kanrin Maru 150 Commemorative Kite Flying at Berkeley Kite NEW

The Hamamatsu Matsuri** is held annually from May 3rd to May 5th. The Hamamatsu Matsuri attracts over 1.8 million people every year. Its primary attraction is the contrast created by energetic yet serene Kite Battles fought fiercely in the daytime,and the spectacular float parades at night, all making it one of the most prominent festivals in all of Japan. Full-scale kite fighting at the Hamamatsu Matsuri began in 1887. However, the origins of this custom date back some 448 years. Legend has it that the custom of flying kites at the Hamamatsu Matsuri began when the then Lord of Hikuma Castle, in celebration of the birth of his first son, flew a kite with his name written on it.
This makes the Hamamatsu Matsuri very different from any other religious-type festival in Japan. It is now said to be a festuval made by the people for the people. The Hamamatsu matsuri is for people of all ages. The three action-filled days of events are the most exciting of the year for al residents of the city.
*Tako=Kite,
**Matsuri+Festival

The world famous Hamamatsu Kites will be participating in the Berkeley Kite Festival again this year. This year our theme is 'Ocean'. The specially designed Japanese letter 'Ocean'is drawn on the big kites. LET'S FLY'EM in the blue sky of California!!

Location
Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina
Organizer: International Association of Tako Age