Yamagata Hanagasa Festival 2024

The Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri (Yamagata Flower Hat Festival) is a lively summer festival in Yamagata City, known for its vibrant floats, spirited dancers, and the rhythmic beats of the Hanagasa Taiko drums echoing through the midsummer night. The festival showcases the dynamic and energetic performances of over 10,000 dancers adorned in colorful costumes, moving in unison to the lively tune of the “Hanagasa Ondo” dance.

At the forefront of the procession are elaborately decorated floats, and the festival atmosphere is set by the spirited cry of “Yassho, Makasho.” The unique feature of the festival is the use of flower-adorned hats, symbolizing the local flower of Yamagata, the “Benibana” or safflower. The hats create a captivating wave-like motion as the dancers perform in a coordinated and joyous manner.

While the festival’s charm was originally rooted in the disciplined beauty of the traditional Hanagasa dance, it has evolved to include various styles such as the graceful “Seicho Onna Odori” (Elegant Women’s Dance) and the vigorous “Seicho Otoko Odori” (Elegant Men’s Dance). Additionally, dynamic “Kasa Mawashi” performances originating from the Onagawa region, where the Hanagasa dance began, and creatively choreographed dances further enchant the audience. The Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri has become a diverse and captivating summer celebration that enchants spectators on warm summer nights.

 

 

 

 

Outline of the Hanagasa Festival

About the Hanagasa Festival

Date: August 5, 6, and 7, 2024

Venue
Straight course in downtown Yamagata City

 

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