Shoin Kiriko Festival

About this event

Held annually on September 14 and 15 in Shoin-machi, Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, the "Shoin Kiriko Festival" is a traditional celebration handed down as the autumn festival of Suzu Hachimangu Shrine, the spiritual center of the area. Among the many Kiriko festivals across the Noto region, this festival features a unique combination of a "dignified reenactment of a daimyo procession" and the "lively, wild dancing of Kiriko." The biggest highlight of the festival is the "Yakko-buri" procession held on the afternoon of the second day. Local young men wearing colorful dotera robes adorned with bells and wearing decorative makeup aprons parade through town shouting energetic cheers while skillfully tossing and swinging feather spears called "shanga." With their arms stretched wide to the sides as they move back and forth, the yakko performers create a scene resembling a living historical picture scroll against the orderly townscape of Shoin. On Omachi Street, the main thoroughfare, spectators can witness the impressive feat of tossing the shanga across the street to partners. In the evening of the first day, nine gorgeous Kiriko (giant sacred lantern floats) representing their respective districts gather and parade through the town until near dawn. Large, studded flat drums are suspended from the Kiriko, filling the air with the sounds of shinobue flutes and drums. Bearers and pullers ring bells and chant "Sore Yasakasa~," aggressively rocking the Kiriko back and forth in a distinctive pulling style. At night, the illuminated Kiriko stream through the town, creating a mystical and passionate Noto night. At the finale of the festival, the Kiriko gather at the shrine, dance wildly, and then return to their respective districts.

Venue

Suzu Hachimangu Shrine

20-3-Ko Shoinmachi Shoin, Suzu, Ishikawa 927-1206