Get ready to dive into the heart of Okinawan culture at the 50th Yomitan Festival on October 26 (Sat) and 27 (Sun), 2024! This massive celebration is all about honoring Yomitan’s rich traditions, legendary figures, and, of course, having a blast with the local community. Expect music, performances, food, fireworks, and some seriously cool special events.
What’s Happening? 🧐
The festival isn’t just a regular event; it’s a two-day celebration packed with activities. From historical reenactments to grand musical performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, it’s the big 5-0, so you can expect some extra-special treats!
Day 1: Saturday, October 26, 2024 🎶🎭
The festival kicks off with performances from local schools and special acts. But the highlight? The Akainko Ryukyu Classical Music Grand Concert at night, where hundreds of performers come together for an epic musical showcase. Imagine the sound of sanshin, koto, flutes, and drums filling the night air. It’s going to be unforgettable. Oh, and there’s fireworks at the end! 🎆
Schedule for Day 1:
- 2:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
Featuring Yomitan High School’s Dance Club kicking things off in style. - 2:15 PM – Group Performances by Elementary Students
Local kids from various schools show off their talents. - 3:45 PM – Preschool Performances
Adorable performances by local preschools and kindergartens. - 4:00 PM – Cheer Dance by TEAM☆K
A dynamic cheerleading team from Kanie Town, Aichi Prefecture. - 4:15 PM – More Dance Fun
Yomitan High School Dance Club takes the stage again! - 6:30 PM – Akainko Ryukyu Classical Music Grand Concert
Hundreds of musicians, one big concert. A truly powerful tribute to Ryukyu’s musical heritage. 🎶 - 8:45 PM – Fireworks Show
Because no festival is complete without some colorful explosions in the sky!
Day 2: Sunday, October 27, 2024 🎭🌿
The second day is all about creativity, tradition, and even more excitement. The centerpiece is the creative play “The Tribute Ship”, a historical drama about one of Yomitan’s heroes, Taiki, who traveled to China. And yes, there’s fireworks again!
Schedule for Day 2:
- 9:00 AM – Bonsai Exhibition & Agricultural Product Sales
Get your green thumb on! 🌱 - 1:30 PM – Creative Dance “Shisa Move”
A dance performance inspired by the local guardian, the Shisa. - 2:00 PM – Group Performances
Featuring performances from the Yomitan Elderly Club and the Children’s Club. - 3:00 PM – “Inheriting the Spirit of Yomitan” Performance
Watch local kids perform traditional arts and music. - 5:30 PM – Creative Play “The Tribute Ship”
A reenactment of Taiki’s legendary return from China, with plenty of village participation. - 8:45 PM – Fireworks Show
Round two of the fireworks to close out the festival with a bang! 🎇
Special Events 🚓🐠🎡
If the performances weren’t enough, there are some fantastic special events scattered throughout the festival. Here’s a taste:
- Working Vehicles Exhibit 🚜
Catch this on October 27, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a lineup that includes police cars, excavators, and sky master lifts. - Mobile Aquarium (Collab with Churaumi Aquarium) 🐟
Check out sea life up close on October 26 (1:00 PM – 8:00 PM) and October 27 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM). - Yomitan Product Fair 🍠
Grab local goods and snacks on October 26 (3:00 PM – 9:00 PM) and October 27 (11:00 AM – 4:00 PM). - Zanpa Lighthouse Free Tour 🏯
Visit the lighthouse for free on October 26, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Enjoy the sunset views! 🌅 - Bullfighting Tournament 🐂
Happening on October 20, 1:00 PM at the Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome. A little pre-festival action!
Venue & Parking Info 🚗🗺️
Yomitan Village Sports Field (Main Venue)
2976 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa [ Google Pin ]
Yomitan Village Multipurpose Field
2976 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa [ Google Pin ]
Traditional Craft Center
2974-2 Zakimi, Yomitan Village, Nakagami District, Okinawa [ Google Pin ]
Ishikawa Multipurpose Dome (Bull Fighting, Free Admission, October 20, 13:00~)
2298-1 Ishikawa, Uruma City, Okinawa [ Google Pin ]
Why You Should Go 🏮🎆
Whether you’re there for the music, the performances, or just to enjoy some good food and fireworks, the 50th Yomitan Festival promises to be an amazing time. It’s not every day you get to witness centuries of tradition, meet friendly locals, and enjoy a full-blown celebration in such a beautiful setting.
Disclaimer
⚠️Disclaimer: Our passion for supporting local businesses drives us to share information about events in the Okinawa area. Please note that Oki Social is not responsible for hosting this event. It’s important to be aware that the event’s host reserves the right to make changes or even cancel the event without prior notice. Some photos and videos may come from various sources on the internet, whether official or unofficial. It is possible that some photos and videos may have been taken from the same event in previous occurrences.
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