Uwajima Ushioni Festival

The Uwajima Ushioni Festival (和霊大祭うわじま牛鬼まつり), held annually at Warei Shrine, is a dynamic summer celebration that honors Yanbei Seibei, a significant figure in the history of the Uwajima Domain. Established in 1653 by Date Hidemune, the first lord of the Uwajima Domain, the festival commemorates the region’s cultural and historical significance. Spanning three days in late July, this vibrant event draws both locals and visitors to celebrate the area’s rich heritage through a variety of lively festivities.

The festival kicks off with the lively Gaiya Carnival, where visitors can enjoy the spectacle of enormous Ushioni floats, some as long as 5-6 meters, adorned with fierce ogre-like faces and draped in red cloth to represent cow bodies. Along with the colorful parade, the festival features the traditional Uwajima Odori dance, filling the streets with rhythm and joy. A highlight of the event is the hashiri-komi parade, where giant floats and sacred Mikoshi shrines pass by Warei Shrine and along the Suka River. The festivities culminate in a stunning fireworks display, adding an unforgettable finale to this cultural celebration.