About this event
The autumn festival of Ibara-cho is also called the "Oni Matsuri" (Demon Festival), featuring about 100 fierce-looking demons appearing as heralds for the portable shrine procession. For this festival, it is said that competing to snatch the gohei (sacred paper streamers) attached to the demons' sashes (backs) or spear points brings the blessing of good health and sound well-being in prayer for household safety over the coming year. In the parish area of Imori Shrine, children's portable shrines parade through each district, and in the afternoon, the portable shrine procession departs from the shrine. The procession marches south along Hondori in the shopping street area, with demons carrying gohei on the tips of their canes or at their waists leading the way while frightening the spectators. They are followed by adult portable shrines enthusiastically enlivening the roadside before returning to the shrine. In the past, there was a custom of spectators snatching and taking home the demons' gohei, but today they can be received at the shrine.
Source website (Japanese) ↗Venue
Ibara-cho
Ibara-cho, Ibara, Okayama 715-0019
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