Kobe Festival (Kobe Matsuri)

The Kobe Festival (神戸祭) is one of the city’s most lively and internationally renowned celebrations, offering a two-day showcase of culture, music, and local flavors. Visitors can explore bustling markets filled with handcrafted goods, watch dynamic stage performances, and sample a wide array of street food and regional specialties. The festival atmosphere is vibrant and colorful, with families, tourists, and locals coming together to enjoy music, dance, and entertainment throughout the city streets.

The festival’s grand parade on the final day is the centerpiece, featuring around 70 groups of up to 200 performers each, adorned in elaborate costumes and accompanied by spectacular floats. Held annually since 1971, the main parade usually takes place on the third Sunday of May, attracting crowds eager to experience its energy and pageantry. Among the performers, the Copa Samba team is particularly striking, dazzling spectators and photographers alike with their high-energy routines and vividly colorful attire.