Karumai Autumn Festival

About this event

Held to welcome autumn in Iwate, the Karumai Autumn Festival is a traditional festival representative of Karumai Town. The highlights of the festival are the dynamic parade of floats organized by six town groups and the mass dances of local folk performing arts. In particular, the sight of a procession led by the town-designated important cultural property, a wooden standing statue of Sarutahiko no Mikoto, marching along an approximately 2-kilometer stretch of the central town street is truly spectacular. Held over three days, the festival begins on the first day with the annual grand festival of Karumai Hachimangu Shrine followed by a mikoshi (portable shrine) procession. On the middle day, excitement builds with a fire brigade drill praying for the safety of local residents and the Karumai Ondo street dance. On the final day, the festival concludes with the return procession of the mikoshi and a joint performance of the floats. This festival provides a valuable opportunity to directly experience the rich culture and traditions of Karumai Town, and is a must-see event full of the enthusiasm and energy of local residents.

Venue

Karumai Town

Karumai-machi, Kunohe-gun, Iwate