Japanese name：山形花笠まつり
Event period：August
Venue：Yamagata
Dancing hanagasa and resounding cheers—the pride of summer in Yamagata
【history】
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is one of the leading summer festivals in the Tohoku region, held every year from August 5th to 7th in Yamagata City.
Its origins are relatively recent, with the parade that began in 1963 as part of the Zao Summer Festival serving as its prototype. Initially, it was an event aimed at attracting tourists, but as it continued, its scale expanded, and it has now become nationally recognized as one of the four major festivals in Tohoku.
Going even further back, the festival’s symbol, the “Hanagasa Ondo,” originated from a folk song created during the Taisho era. The lifestyle culture and prayers cherished by the people of Yamagata have been passed down and are preserved in today’s festival.
【Feature】
The charm of the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival lies in the spectacular parade where dancers wielding flower-decorated hats perform in perfect harmony.
Characteristics of the Hanagasa Dance:
１．The traditional style involves dancing while holding flower hats dyed with safflower.
２．The shouts are the vigorous “Yassho, Makasho!”
３．About 10,000 to 14,000 dancers participate, parading through the center of Yamagata City.
４．The rhythm of the drums and the Hanagasa folk songs resonate through the city at night.
【Content】
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is an event where the central area of Yamagata City is immersed in festival festivities over three days.
Event Dates:
Every year from August 5th to 7th
Time: 6:00 PM to 9:45 PM (The parade starts around 6:10 PM)
Main Schedule:
6:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
6:10 PM – Hanagasa Parade begins (starting in front of City Hall)
Around 8:30 PM – Audience participation in “Hanagasa Dance”
9:45 PM – End
Ways to Enjoy the Festival:
Watching the Hanagasa Parade
The beauty of the coordinated dances and the Hanagasa swaying in the night breeze is truly spectacular.
Enjoying the differences in the dances of each group
From traditional choreography to creative dances, you can see a variety of expressions.
Tasting Yamagata gourmet food
There are plenty of food stalls and restaurants offering chilled ramen, imoni (taro and meat stew), local sake, and more.
Photography
The vivid colors of the Hanagasa and the night-time illuminations are perfect for photos.
How was it? There are still many fun things in Japan. Please be sure to try them when you visit Japan.
Let’s Enjoy！
コメント