I am not a big fan of Passover and Easter, the Judeo-Christian observations of Spring, especially since their respective celebrations of unrelenting vendetta and gory martyrdom don't strike me as particularly suited to the joys of the season.
The ancient Persian Norouz celebration, which is still observed, seems much more civilized...
...and so does the Japanese tradition of the Cherry Blossom Festival.
We happened to be walking up Polk Street near the end of the parade, and the route was filled with gaps caused by police allowing vehicles to cross Polk Street.
We jumped in between a taiko drumming float in front of us, and an absolutely exuberant group of mostly elderly dancers behind us.
One needed to know nothing of Japanese rituals to realize this was a variation on dancing around the maypole or running the Bay to Breakers. It was joyful, sexy and fun.
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