noun
chindon'ya; street advertising band
A traditional Japanese street performer or troupe that advertises for shops, events, or products by parading in colorful costumes while playing instruments. The term can refer to the performers themselves or the business.
商店街でチンドン屋がにぎやかに宣伝していた。
A chindon'ya was noisily advertising in the shopping district.
昔ながらのチンドン屋を見かけることは少なくなった。
It has become rare to see a traditional chindon'ya.
宣伝 means publicity or promotion in a broad sense; チンドン屋 is a specific, old-fashioned method of street promotion.
The word is said to derive from the sound of the instruments used: 'chin' from a small gong and 'don' from a drum, combined with 屋 (shop/profession).