Celebrating the 6th anniversary of the China Town's Mazu Shrine. The Goddess is sent out on a gorgeous parade/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203200021/

March 20, 2012

The 6th annual Mazu Festival, a celebration of the Mazu Shrine's opening.

Celebrating the 6th anniversary of the Mazu Shrine opening, the annual Mazu Festival was held on the 20th in the Chinatown of Yokohama's Naka Ward.

During the evening parade, firecrackers echoed with an explosive "Do!" "Ra!" sound. Loaded onto a Mikoshi (Portable shrine), Mazu was led through Chinatown's main street by giant, 3 meter figures. With the addition of Shishi Lion  and Dragon dances, plenty of spectators continually filled the surrounding areas.

A real person who existed 1000 years ago in China, Mazu became widely believed by the people to be a Goddess who protected voyagers at sea.

Original text:
中華街・媽祖廟の６周年を祝う、女神載せ華やかに/横浜
2012年3月20日

媽祖廟開廟６周年を祝う恒例の「媽祖祭

媽祖廟（まそびょう）の開廟６周年を祝う恒例の「媽祖祭」が20日、横浜市中区の横浜中華街で行われた。

夕方のパレードでは、爆竹と銅（ど）鑼（ら）の音が響く中、媽祖を載せたみこしが約３メートルの巨大な人形に先導されて中華街大通りなどを行進。獅子舞や龍舞も行われ、たくさんの観光客で埋まった沿道を盛り上げた。

媽祖は約千年前に中国に実在した人物で、航海の安全を守る女神として広く人々に信仰されている。