Okuetsu

The Sagicho Festival

A Lively Town-Wide Festival, Finished with a Giant Bonfire

The Sagicho Festival is held in Katsuyama on the last full weekend of February. This festival celebrates the coming of spring, and serves as a prayer for an abundant harvest. Twelve temporary towers are built around town, where performers dressed in colorful garments play traditional songs.

The finale comes on Sunday night. A sacred fire is carried from Shinmei Jinja Shrine out to stacks of wood by the Kuzuryu River, to light bonfires collectively known as the Dondo-yaki. The roaring fires offer a chance to warm up in the cold February night, and people cook mochi over the fires as a prayer for good health in the coming year.

KEY INFORMATION

Address

Katsuyama City

Hours

the last weekend in February

Fees

Charge-free

Website

Click here

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