In May on the old lunar calendar, a boat race called "Haarii" isheld at fishing harbors around Okinawa. Baten Harbor in the Sashiki district has historical significanceas it was one of the base ports for Shou Hashi, the man whoonce united the Ryukyu Kingdom. For one day in the summer, Baten Harbor is bustlingwith energy as the locals pray for a bountiful year offishing and for safety on the sea during the annual Haarii.