Warai Matsuri (Laughing Festival) 2024

「Warai Matsuri」 is a unique festival held annually at Nunomiya Shrine in Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture. It is also known as the “Nunomiya Festival.”

This traditional festival has been continued since the Edo period and takes place in the month of Kannazuki (October). The origin of the festival is traced back to the time when the deity Nunome Tsumi no Mikoto overslept for a divine meeting and became disheartened. Villagers then consoled her by saying, “Warae, Warae” (laugh, laugh), and this is said to be the festival’s origin.

During the “Warai Matsuri,” performers known as “Suzufuri,” adorned in clown-like makeup, lead the portable shrine while encouraging people along the route to laugh. Following the Suzufuri, participants called “Masumochi” carry a sacred wooden box adorned with the bounties of the fields and mountains, and men known for their laughter lead the procession, erupting into laughter at the signal.

The festival takes place every year on the Sunday just before “Sports Day” in Japan, which is a national holiday.

 

 

 

 

Event Summary

Date: October 13, 2024

Place: Hidakagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture

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