Hagoromo Festival, Ginowan Okinawa

This is one of Ginowan’s major festivals and lasts for two fun packed days of music, dancing, singing and eating. Events and performances include Hagoromo Taiko drums, Eisa, dance performances, concerts, Okinawa bull fighting, the traditional Ryukyu King Satto's Parade, fireworks, and of course the famous "Kachasii" dance contest.

Ginowan Hagoromo Festival is centered around an old Okinawa folk tale. The legend goes, an angel landed by a pond in Ginowan in order to bathe. While she was bathing, a local man found her wings and hid them and leaving her unable to return to heaven. Eventually she married the farmer and bore him a son. Later, she accidentally discovered her wings and returned to her heavenly home. In many parts of Japan the story usually ends here, but the version of the tale told of “Hagoromo” told in Ginowan City goes on to say the son became King Saion, a powerful lord in the 14th century who contributed greatly for building the Kingdom of the Ryukyus.

The main theme of the festival is Kachashi, an Okinawa folk dance. This dace is still very popular and can be seen being danced by locals on happy occasions like weddings. Okinawa people will spontaneously join in kachashi with the accompaniment of sanshin and small drums. The basic moves of the dance are so simple that anyone can do it, just put your arms up high and turn your palms in and out.

From Naha Airport: Approx. 40 min. by car (via highway)
From nearest bus stop: Ginowan Siei Kyujyo Mae: Approx.1 min. on foot
(stop for line: 28, 32, 52, 55, 61, 88, 99, 112, 288)

Name of Venue: Ginowan City Beach Park
Address: 4-2-1 Mashiki, Ginowan City, Okinawa