The "Nagoya Festival," which started in 1955, will celebrate its 70th anniversary this year. For this special occasion, a variety of events will be held, including "Honmachi Dori Yatai Parade and Evening Yatai Parade" on October 19. There will also be a "Float Renewal of the Three Great Heroes" and an increase in "Flower Cars," making it a fitting celebration for this milestone.
What is the 70th Nagoya Festival?
The first "Nagoya Festival" took place in 1955, during the post-war recovery. It featured a grand parade of the three great heroes of the region—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—along with a display of culturally significant "Yatai," a citizens' costume parade, aerial balloon street procession, and the Tokai Folk Dance Festival. This festival has become the largest autumn event in Nagoya, celebrated for 70 years.
Interestingly, there is a historical festival that is said to be the root of the Nagoya Festival: the "Tōshōgū Festival," which honors Tokugawa Ieyasu. This festival, held at the Nagoya Tōshōgū Shrine, featured nine famous festival floats and a creative procession that delighted not only the common people but also samurai and lords, making it the biggest event in the castle town.
For the 70th Nagoya Festival, there will be a "Honmachi Dori Yatai Parade and Evening Yatai Parade" inspired by the Tōshōgū Festival (on October 19). During the day, the parade will take place on Honmachi Dori, and at night, nine festival floats will illuminate the streets with lanterns, making their way to the Higashi Kameko Plaza next to the Dolphins Arena. This marks the first time in 64 years since 1960 that the usual nine floats will be paraded along the main street of the castle town, Honmachi Dori.
70 Days Until the Festival: Launch of the 70th Anniversary Merchandise!
On August 10 (Saturday), which marked 70 days before this year’s "Nagoya Festival," the 70th-anniversary merchandise was launched. Three types of colorful goods featuring the vibrant artwork of the Art Brut artist Maho Mizukami, who was chosen for the poster design, are now available. These items include a pin badge, a sacoche (a small shoulder bag), and a clear file, and can be purchased at the Nagoya Castle gift shop and tourist information centers.
Additionally, on August 10 (Saturday), a "70 Days Until the Festival PR Event" was held at Nagoya Castle. Takashi Kawamura, the Mayor of Nagoya, and the Nagoya Hospitality Samurai Team promoted the history and appeal of the Nagoya Festival.
Overview of the 70th Nagoya Festival
To commemorate the 70th anniversary, the festival will feature the "Honmachi Street Float Parade & Evening Float Parade" on October 19, along with a "Float Renewal" featuring the three great heroes and an expansion of the flower car displays, all designed to enhance the festivities.
Schedule
October 19 (Saturday) and 20 (Sunday), 2024
Main Events
◆ Parades
Local Hero Procession, Float Parade, Kagura Parade, Flower Car Parade, and more.
◆Venue
- 【Hisaya Odori Park】Nagoya Youth Power Stage, local samurai team performances, traditional and cultural experience booths, etc.
- 【Oasis 21】Exhibition of artisans from Owari Nagoya, local performing arts festival, etc.
- 【Nagoya Castle】Nagoya Castle Autumn Festival, special exhibition "Nagoya Castle and the Nagoya Festival."
◆ Commemorative Projects
Honmachi Street Float Parade & Evening Float Parade
Nagoya Festival Website
https://www.nagoya-festival.jp
The 70th Nagoya Festival Special Website
https://nagoya-festival70th.com
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