Nightfall adds new dimensions to the Sapporo Snow Festival.
Firstly, it's a more adult affair. The kids are in bed, excited squeals are noticeably absent and the pathways are satisfyingly less congested. You can actually take unobstructed photos of any sculpture that catches your fancy. You may also two-step, do-si-do or cartwheel in the snow without hurting anybody else except yourself. Honestly.
Secondly, exactly because it's a more adult affair, the throngs are palpably more intoxicated. The kiosks that sell alcohol are more popular; the food stalls, less so. The grounds are so cruisy! You can feel people's incredible sexual energy straining to break free underneath repressive layers of clothing. It's sub-zero, but it's hot.
Finally, there's the magnificent drama of articial light. Every curve, corner and sinew of the monolithic sculptures seem to undulate as light shifts imperceptibly into shadow. The sculptures themselves seem to breathe. They inhale, exhale, pant and gasp for air.
But, maybe that's just the hot Belgian cherry beer.
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