Yamagata Hanagasa Festival山形花笠まつり
The Yamagata Hanagasa Festival is a traditional Japanese summer festival renowned for its “hanagasa” (flower hat) dance. The festival showcases a procession of dancers wearing beautifully decorated hats adorned with artificial safflowers, the symbol of Yamagata Prefecture. The event is a celebration of local culture, community spirit, and the region's agricultural heritage.
The highlight of the festival is the nightly hanagasa dance parades, where thousands of dancers in colourful costumes fill the streets of Yamagata City. Waving their flower-adorned hats, the dancers move in unison to the rhythm of traditional music, creating a mesmerising and joyful atmosphere.
The festival features the distinctive sound of the “hanagasa ondō”, a traditional folk song that accompanies the dance. The music is performed live by local musicians playing traditional instruments such as taiko drums and flutes, adding to the festive ambiance. In addition to the parades, the festival includes various cultural performances that highlight the rich traditions of Yamagata. These performances provide a deeper insight into the region's heritage and artistic talents.
The festival grounds are lined with food stalls offering a wide array of local delicacies and traditional festival foods. Visitors can savour treats such as yakitori, takoyaki, and Yamagata's famous cherries while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Opening Hours
18:00-21:45
Venue
- Yamagata City Office ⎯ 山形市役所
Address
2 Chome-3-25 Hatagomachi, Yamagata, 990-0047
Getting There
- 1 minutes walk from Shiyakusho-Mae (しやくしょまえ)
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