The festival of Mirissa fishermen

the parade of young men : all fishermen

 On the full moon in early March I witnessed a wild parade; fishermen celebrating their holiday.  I had heard about it and the night before I was ready to attend but was discouraged by the hotel managers telling me, "they are Extremely drunk and you wouldn't enjoy it"  Okay ; perhaps not the best way  to spend an evening but I certainly was game to experience the festivities the next day.  This was completely secular festival, the Buddhist rituals were  null as was a trip to the local temple. (when i found out is was "secular", this is the real reason  why i did not attend the nighttime "party")

the most interesting part of the parade was viewing the paintings on their body

there was a brass band; a little like Mardi Gras

It was a testosterone filled event: loud ,raucous and celebratory for the local fishermen.  This is the area of the world where they often fish on stilts.  The location of the stilt is passed down generation to generation of fishermen.


travelin' woman