The Hakata Dontaku port festival has started in the southern Japanese city of Fukuoka. The two-day event is expected to draw about 2 million people.

Organizers opened a large decorative ball to mark the start of the festival on Thursday. The opening ceremony included a dance performed to a local traditional song.

The Dontaku is based on a dance and music performance that was first held 800 years ago. The main attraction is a parade featuring 35,000 participants from 780 groups.

Fukuoka Governor Hiroshi Ogawa said the participants include residents from Toho Village, which was severely affected by heavy rains last July.

He said the residents will show their gratitude for the relief support they received, and their resolve to rebuild the village. He asked spectators to cheer enthusiastically for them.

One woman whose child is participating in the parade said she wants her child to show how hard they have practiced for the event.

A 40-year-old man who recently moved to Fukuoka said he looks forward to watching the parade for the first time.

Source: ANNnewsCH