Setsubun is the "mamemaki" or bean-throwing ceremony where people throw beans to get rid of bad luck and bring new luck. Here is an excerpt about it:
"Based on the lunar calendar, Setsubun is the day before spring starts and is celebrated on Feb 3 or 4 in temples and homes all over Japan. The objective is to drive out the bad luck and bring in the new. You shout "Oni wa soto" (out demon) and "Fuku wa uchi" (in luck) and throw beans at them."
The tengu (red mask) is suppose to be like the super hero who helps you get rid of the bad luck. Although, the mask is pretty scary looking. You throw the beans at the "devil."
I first walked along with a group of kids who were parading around the city streets. In certain areas, "devils" would appear and the kids would start throwing the beans at them. Here are just a few pictures:
After this, I walked over to the shrine, where the real parade was going to happen. I got there before it started and got some great pictures of the people coming down to get in their positions for the parade. I even got the pictures of the Tengu, himself and maybe a bodyguard...but check out the shoes on these guys.
And this was my favorite picture because you could actual see the beans being thrown.
The festival was really fun and where else will you find such things. I will upload all the photos and suggest you look at them if you can. They are funny and you can get a better idea of what the festival looked like. The actual Setsubun is on Thursday and I will be attending. My only complaint about this festival is that it is definitely not the start of spring as it has been getting colder and colder here.
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