Holding a large festival may not be a wise idea during the coronavirus pandemic. But organizers of one of Japan's traditional festivals are test-staging the event, with ample social distancing.

The centuries' old Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima City, western Japan, normally draws large crowds, eager to get a close view of a parade of energetic performers. The event was canceled this past summer, but organizers are hoping to stage the event next year.

People in the western Japanese city of Tokushima are decorating shopping streets with lanterns to brighten up the mood as a major summer festival was canceled due to the coronavirus.

The Awa Odori dance festival normally draws more than 1 million tourists to Tokushima in August.