Okinawa - 4 recommended events in September

The Eisa folk dance Festival in Uruma City in central Okinawa Prefecture is a Eisa folk dance event where youth associations from all over UrumaEisa folk dance gather together.

At the event, you will be able to admire the powerful Eisa folk dance performances by Eisa folk dance groups, including the traditional Heshikiya Eisa folk dance, which has been handed down for more than 300 years. Even if you go to Eisa folk dance, the choreography, costume and song selection vary depending on each Eisa folk dance organization. Some groups take the Eisa folk dance style of Osako power using large Wadaiko, while others are fascinated by the style of small drums called Parlancoo. In addition, the individuality of each group also appears in small parts such as how to hold the bee and how to carry it, so the more you appreciate it, the more you will enjoy the individuality.

It is not only the youth associations around the city that appear at the Uruma City Eisa folk dance Festival. The children's association, which dances Eisa folk dance hard with a small body, also excites the festival. The movement of the platoon is no longer an area suitable for being called "art." Please come and visit the venue and get drunk with the performance.

Seaport Chatan Carnival is an event held at and around Chatan Park Sunset Beach in central Okinawa Prefecture. This year's 38th Seaport Chatan Carnival will be held for two days on Saturday, September 28 and September 29 (Sun).

Its biggest feature is underwater fireworks that can only be found here in Okinawa!　This fireworks explodes vigorously on the surface of the sea, not in the sky. The light of the flower fire reflected on the sea surface is beautiful and may be detracted.

The Hagoromo Festival is a festival associated with the legend of Hagoromo, which has been handed down to Ginowan City since ancient times, and is held every September at Ginowan Seaside Park (multipurpose open space).
The appeal of this event is that it is a public participation festival. Every year, it is crowded with many locals and tourists. The main street event held on the first day is the history picture scroll, which reproduces the history picture scroll. There are other events by local people such as marching and youth Eisa folk dance. The highlight of the festival held on the second day, "Kachashii Tournament", is also a must-see! (*Kachashii: Okinawan hand dance)
On stage, men and women of all ages will perform Kachashii, which focuses on music and costumes, to promote traditional Okinawan performing arts. You can enjoy it just by looking at it, but if you feel better, it may be a good idea to dance with the locals who were there.

In addition, many programs are planned, and fireworks that rise to the finale of the event will launch a rare shakutama in the prefecture. Please experience the summer tradition in Okinawa.

The Itoman Tug of War is held every year in old calendar on August 15 (September 17, 2024) in traditional event in Itoman City. The ropes used in the tug of war are called "Sninjinna" or "Manninjinna", and the result of these combinations and tug of war tell the fruit of the year. The rope is 180 meters long and weighs about 10 tons, making it one of the largest in the prefecture.

On the day of the event, a festive atmosphere will be held by the flaghead, Eisa folk dance and marching bands. The flaghead walking at the top of Michizune is one of Okinawa's leading traditional performing arts. A strong man lifts a flag with a total length of 6 meters and 50 cm to 8 meters and weighing 40 to 50 kg by himself. The sight is breathtaking Osako power. Please take a look at it up close.

It is also attractive that you can jump in and participate in the Itoman Tug of War. The sight of locals and tourists mixed up and pulling the general rules has become a feature of Itoman. Why don't you take this opportunity to experience a hot tug of war with the locals?

How was it? A variety of events will be held from the good old traditional event to the summer tradition Eisa folk dance and tug of war. It is one of the ways to enjoy watching these events while enjoying the summer heat remaining on the spot. If you are considering a trip to Okinawa in September, please refer to it.