Fukushima Waraji Festival 2024

The Fukushima Waraji Festival originated from the “Shinobu Sanzan Akatsuki Mairi,” where a massive 12-meter-long straw sandal is offered to the Hagurome Shrine on Mount Shinobu. The festival’s participants dance to the “Waraji Ondo,” a song composed by Yujiro Fukushima, which served as the model for the NHK morning drama series “Yell.” In 2019, marking its 50th anniversary, the festival underwent a renewal with a live performance of the “Waraji Ondo” featuring flute, taiko drums, and live singing, orchestrated by Yoshiteru Otomo, a renowned musician from Fukushima City.

The dynamic music accompanies a renewed dance. Participants, holding a circular frame called “wara no wa” in both hands, dance with powerful and elegant movements, emphasizing the lower body to create an image of sturdy legs.

 

 

 

 

Event Outline

Period: First Friday through Sunday in August every year
In 2024, the main festival will be held on August 2 and 3, and the dedication of the big straw sandals will be held on August 4.

Venue
Main Festival: Nobuo-dori Street on National Route 13 in the center of Fukushima City and surrounding areas
Dedication of large straw sandals: Haguro Shrine, Mt.

 

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