We celebrate Tanabata!
Come and enjoy the Festival of the Stars at Pure Cuisine from July 7 to 17.
Every year, Japan dresses in colors, cranes and lanterns to celebrate the reunion of two stars that cross the sky throughout the year to be together again. Romantic right? This gathering is called Tanabata or Star Festival and celebrates love, good luck and wishes.
It is celebrated on the 7th of the 7th month. Originally from China, where it is known as "Qi Xi" (translation: night of the double 7), Tanabata celebrates the meeting of the stars Vega and Altair, which only occurs during the first week of the month. summer It is then that we can see in heaven these former lovers seeing each other again.
What happens on the night of Tanabata?
Legend has it that princess Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair) lived in Amanogawa or River of Heaven. This celestial kingdom was commanded by Emperor Tentei, Orihime's father. One day, while she was sewing by the river, she saw her father's shepherd, Hikoboshi, with whom she fell deeply in love. From that day on, things were never the same again.
Hikoboshi couldn't resist the princess's charms, and he gave up everything to spend more time with her. She, so in love, dropped the needle and thread to be able to dedicate herself to her new love.
It wouldn't be long until Tentei found out. The news of his cattle wandering the riverbank must have been a little funny to him, and it was even worse when he found the needle and thread running down the river.
Full of anger, he sent for the lovers. They had both ignored their homework and that was an unforgivable offense, so he forbade them from seeing each other again. There wasn't much they could protest, Hikoboshi was a humble shepherd who had failed his employer.
The princess, heartbroken, could not stitch without thinking of her beloved. At his daughter's patient silence, Emperor Tentei's heart softened and he gave the lovers a chance to see each other again. Every 7th of the 7th month, after a long year of hard work, they could meet again. We call that night Tanabata or Festival of the Stars.
¿Cómo se celebra el Tanabata?
In honor of the meeting of the stars, people on earth celebrate with Takoyakis, Lanterns and write our wishes on colored paper known as Tanzuku and then hang them on bamboo branches.
Although the celebration stems from a romantic legend, there is no reason to limit our wishes to our love interests. It is very common to ask on behalf of the stars for your business, family and projects.
Although the Tanzuku are very popular to choose the wish you want, other decorations such as cranes are hung to attract good health. The Taomi, which are like fishing rods, are used to ask for good luck, and the Kamigoromos, which are like small paper kimonos, are used to ward off diseases.
What is eaten in Tanabata?
The Festival of the Stars lends itself to people taking to the streets to enjoy the decorations, listen to live music and watch the fireworks. But if you're like us at Pure Cuisine, your favorite part of the party is the food.
It is during Tanabata that the food stalls take to the streets again and bring with them the favorite dish of summer: Takoyaki. These are prepared on special plates that allow you to create these delicious dumplings stuffed with octopus. Preparation is an art and requires some practice to make a perfect ball.
They are served with Takoyaki sauce, which has a sweet and fruity taste that adds umami flavor. Generally, it is decorated with Katsobuchi, which are very fine fish flakes that move as if they were dancing in the heat of the freshly prepared Takoyakis. We know it sounds strange, but you have to see them in action to understand.
If you want to try this classic Japanese delicacy, come to our premises in Vilamarina, Mataró Parc, Glories and Diagonal Mar from July 7 to 17. They're only available for a limited time, so come check them out!
