Niu Matsuri (Laughing Festival)

About this event

Passed down in Hidakagawa Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, the "Niu Matsuri (Laughing Festival)" is known as a bizarre festival continuing since the Edo period and is designated as a Prefectural Intangible Folk Cultural Property. This festival is held annually on the Sunday immediately preceding "Sports Day." The biggest highlight of the festival is the sight of the leader (Suzufuri / bell shaker) wearing a clownish costume and makeup, parading through the town calling out "Waraye, waraye" (Laugh, laugh). This cheerful and joyful scene brings smiles to visitors. The festival begins around 9:00 a.m. near the Otabisho (temporary resting place for the sacred palanquin) with a ritual called "Oni no Deai" (Meeting of Demons), followed by a lion dance performance around 10:40 a.m. Around 11:00 a.m., the "Suzufuri" appears to guide the portable shrine (mikoshi) to Niu Shrine. The festival is said to have originated in mythological times when the villagers comforted and cheered up the goddess Niutsuhime no Mikoto by shouting "Laugh, laugh" after she overslept and felt downcast for missing the assembly of deities in Izumo. This festival attracts many tourists due to its unique custom and historical background.

Venue

Niutsuhime Shrine

230 Kamiamano, Katsuragi, Ito District, Wakayama 649-7141