The Kita-Wakamiya Grand Festival, also known as the Furukawa Matsuri or Festival, takes place on the 19th and the 20th of April. On April 19th, after a long Winter, the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. And the energy of the people of Furukawa, who have longed for the coming of Spring, blows out. Several hundred men fight for the Okoshi-daiko, or the grand drum and the luck of the year. The sight is both dramatic and energetic. On the 20th, elegant ritual ceremonies are held. The festival procession, escorted by the lion dance performance, cock-fighting music, and court music, parades through the town. Nine festival floats are also pulled out and displayed on the streets, adding a gorgeous atmosphere to the festival.
