Every February the residents of Sapporo, Japan host the week long Snow Festival. It incorporates ice sculpting contests, laser light shows, and of course, eating. What you might not know is that it also includes Star Wars.
Image courtesy of Bruce Fredericks/INFevents.com
According to Condé Nast Traveler, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which started in 1950, attracts millions of visitors annually. Sculptures at the Snow Festival range from buildings to people to mythical animals, and can reach as high as 50 feet.
This year, a 49 foot tall Star Wars themed sculpture was erected by the 11th Brigade of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force (around 400 troops). Laughing Squid reports that it took approximately 3,500 tons of snow and over a month to construct the sculpture, which includes storm troopers, Darth Vader, and a couple of TIE fighters with the Death Star in the background. Laughing Squid provides some step by step photos of the building and sculpting taking place.
Image via Facebook from Laughing Squid
The following post by the Frankie Russo Show displays photos of the “Imperial” sculpture from varying points of view. These photos also demonstrate the sheer size of it in comparison with the tourists who ventured out into the sub-zero temperatures to see it up close.
Image via Facebook from The Frankie Russo Show
CNN posted a photograph of the sculpture at night, featuring the incredible lighting that showcases each exhibit until 10 p.m. This particular photograph also includes a few costumed versions of the villains.
Image via Facebook from CNN International
Snow Star Wars as it is called, according to Quartz, is only one of more than 200 sculptures exhibited at the festival this year. Other sculptures include the characters from Disney’s hit animated film Frozen, and a giant version of the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, located in the Philippines.
Image via Facebook from Condé Nast Traveler