Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri
The Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri is a vibrant summer festival held annually in Yamagata City, Japan. Celebrated in August, it features colorful floats adorned with flowers and traditional music. Participants wear yukata, a casual summer kimono, and perform lively dances while parading through the streets.
This festival originated in the late 1960s to promote tourism and showcase local culture. The highlight is the energetic dance known as the Hanagasa Ondo, where dancers wave flower hats, or hanagasa, in rhythm with the music. The event attracts thousands of visitors, making it a significant cultural celebration in the region.