
Naha Hari (Dragon Boat Races)
museum
那覇ハーリー
Intense dragon boat races to pray for safe voyages and bountiful harvests.
Hari (or Haaree) is a traditional dragon boat race brought from China roughly 600 years ago. The Naha Hari is the largest on the island, held during early May at Naha Port. The boats are highly decorated with dragon heads and tails, and rowers move in sync to the beat of a drum. The festival is a celebration of the sea deities. Unlike other regions of Japan, Okinawa has a deep connection to maritime trade, and these races were historically vital for community bonding.
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