World's Biggest Tug of War: 39th Naha Festival

The world's biggest tug-of-war in Kumoji, Naha City - the 39th Naha Festival running Oct. 10 to 12 with the tug-of-war slated for Oct. 11 came to an end. The 39th Naha Great Tug-of-War was expected to draw 15,000+ participants to battle it out with a 656-foot-long, 44-ton rope. Wooden pegs are inserted through the nearly 4.5-foot-diameter rope, allowing anyone who wishes to participate in what has been a Guinness World Record-holding event.

The traditional meet is said to date back to the 1600s during the Ryukyus Kingdom. Tradition holds that taking a piece of the rice-straw rope home brings good luck.

Pic from: R-Month

Source: Okinawa Stripes