Seabees Get a Taste of Culture At The Nago Cherry Blossom Fesival

Story by Constructionman Engineering Aid Star Coble

NAGO CITY, Okinawa (Jan. 29, 2012) - Seabees from Naval Mobile
Construction Battalion (NMCB) FORTY enjoyed the sights, sounds, and tastes of
the Okinawa culture at the 50th Nago Cherry Blossom Festival.

Fifteen Seabees took part in a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR),
sponsored trip to the Nago City annual cherry blossom festival.

The blooming of the cherry blossoms is one of Okinawa’s most popular
festivals. Due to the geographical location and warmer climate, cherry blossoms
bloom in Okinawa before any other region in Japan.
In most parts of Japan, Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) is a tradition that
goes back hundreds of years, it represents the end of winter and the new life of
Spring. Various festival activities included a parade with traditional Okinawa
folklore, an exhibit of flowers, food, music, games, a leisurely stroll to the
Nago Castle site and a tour of the Orion Beer brewery.

Engineering Aid First Class Paul Pekinas said, “I enjoyed observing the
folklore performances of their culture. It was very interesting to see and it’s
similar to my Russian culture folklore.”

The most popular site at the festival is the Nago Castle. Located at the
top of seven-hundred steps, this 14th century the Nago Castle was home to the
Nago Aii, a local chieftain who ruled the area.

“Climbing the mountain of steps was a good physical challenge for me, but
I made it and the reward was just as nice because it was an amazing view of the
tropical green water of the East China Sea, and the beautiful city of Nago”, said
Steelworker Second Class April Ramirez.

Food vendors were lined- up every twenty feet with authentic Okinawa
cuisine such as Mimiga, Ikasumi-jiru, Hirayachi, Rafute, as well as chicken pie,
and very rich ice cream.

“The food was very authentic and yummy, it was a variety of
different foods, but I really enjoyed the rice balls, chicken pie and potatoes
on a stick”, said Builder Third Class Wesley Dominguez.

Overall the cherry blossom festival was an amazing experience for the
Seabees, who hope to experience many more in the future. As they load the
MWR bus back to Camp Shields, they reminisce about the highlights of the
festival.

“The best part was just having the opportunity to experience the cherry
blossom festival with my fellow Seabees,” said Ramirez.