The Dano Festival takes place in Kangweon Province, Korea, on May 5 (lunar calendar) each year. It is a great opportunity to see various aspects of traditional Korean culture, e.g., Confucian rituals, shamans, mask and other dances, wrestling, etc. There is also traditional music performed to many of the events.

It was originally a shamanistic festival honoring the sky deity and held after spring planting to hope for a good harvest.

Confucian rituals get things going.

Note the traditional horse-hair hats

A shaman does her part

Prayers are written on the paper, and if it goes upward when lit, the request will be fulfilled.

The Gwanno mask drama, which is only performed at the Dano Festival. Servants portray nobles, and it deals with the problems of love that a nobleman has.

Traditional wrestling

A tired salesman

Activities are also provided for the little ones, which our daughter appreciated even if she looks less than greatly enthused about the whole affair.

A fortune teller

Dancing and music

Spring planting

Spectators enjoying the festivities. Koreans were sometimes known as the people who wear white clothes.