Festival

Kichigai Matsuri

Have you ever heard “Kichigai Matsuri”? I’ve also never heard this festival. What is Kichigai Matsuri? How crazy is it? I was very interested in it, so I searched about it.

Kichigai Matsuri is held in Ohtsu city in Shiga prefecture on October 19th. This festival is held to the memory of Yoshisada Niita’s wife. Who is him? He was a commander in Kamakura era. In this city, his wife lived to wait for Yoshisada who had lost a war. One day, she got news of his death. Because of sadness, she went mad and dead at Biwa Lake.

To in memory of her, people imitate to be crazy in this festival. Main event is “Owatari”. Some men bring and walk with fish and beans on tray with legs. They imitate to be crazy and shout as flinging them. At the night, the main event is “Taimatsu Gyouretsu” (torch parade). People shout “Fire happened! Fire happened!” and walk.

At there, this festival is called “Nogamisai”. I didn’t know this festival, so I am interested in this festival. I want to join this festival someday.