Giant drum parade fills streets of Matsue, western Japan

A traditional fall parade featuring giant drums was held on Sunday in western Japan's Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture. The annual event, called "dogyoretsu," saw participants walk through the streets near Matsue Castle while beating the drums, known as "do". Each measures about 1.5 meters across and is carried on a float.

It is said the parade began in the Edo period, from the 17th to 19th centuries. Featuring 17 floats from neighborhood associations and others, the procession began outside the castle moat, as visitors gathered along the route. Participants played the drums to the sounds of bamboo flutes and tiny traditional "changara" cymbals.