Niihama Taiko Festival

About this event

One of Ehime's representative festivals where taiko floats (taikodai) measuring about 5.5 meters in height and weighing about 3 tons parade heroically through the city. The main highlight, Kakikurabe (float lifting competitions), takes place in various districts, captivating large crowds with dynamic taiko floats. When bearers synchronize their movements to hoist the float overhead in a move called Sashiage to the rhythm of 'Sorya, Sorya' chants, massive cheers erupt from the spectators, enveloping the festival venue in a sense of unity. During Kakikurabe, where roughly 150 bearers use their strength to lift the approximately 3-ton float high toward the sky, they hoist the float overhead to show off before the watchful eyes of many spectators. In venues packed with visitors from all over the country, sounds of drums and flutes echo, instantly heightening the festival mood. Elaborate decorative curtains embroidered with gold and silver threads, cherished and passed down through each district, make the taiko floats move as if breathed into life by their bearers.

Venue

Niihama City

Niihama, Ehime