Fish Parade
The festive Koinobori fish parade.
A theatrical performance, an art workshop, a participatory art installation.
The project is inspired by the famous Japanese festival on May 5th called Koinobori.
The Fish Parade consists of three different sections:
THE WORKSHOP
During the workshop led by Izumi Fujiwara, the Koinobori fish are painted and prepared.
The workshop, which lasts about 1 hour, is held on the morning of the event and can accommodate up to 15 children.
It is also possible to organize workshops on additional days prior to the parade. In the workshop, each participant will prepare the fish or fish they will bring to the parade during the event.
THE PARADE AND FINAL INSTALLATION
The Parade will be led by the Master of Ceremonies, who will deliver the opening speech while wearing the Big Fish’s hat. Following the Master of Ceremonies’ speech, time will be allotted for a possible speech by a “local official.” Once the speech is over, the actual parade will begin.
The Master of Ceremonies and the Big Fish will lead the parade along the designated route, while all families are invited to follow the parade along with the “flying fish.” During the parade, the local band or local musicians may also participate.
The group will carry a large fish measuring approximately 6–8 meters, and the participation of several adults will be requested to move it during the parade, following a brief choreographic rehearsal prior to the parade.
At the end of the parade, there will be a finale featuring giant soap bubbles, and the fish will be set up in a location such as a river, a fountain, or a square…
The total duration depends on the route chosen, but generally it is about 1 hour, including the final performance with the soap bubbles.
Audience: For everyone
Format: Street performance (traveling)
Language: Wordless / With music
In general, the “Parade of the Fish” should be considered a template that adapts to the needs of the venue and the wishes of the organizers; the brief proposal we present here serves as a framework, and we would be happy to expand upon it and/or modify it as circumstances require.