Natsumatsuri Uchinachu Eisa Matsuri (Photo courtesy of Ikemiya Shoji)
Come Aug. 23-24, Ginowan Seaside Park near MCAS Futenma will host a natsumatsuri (summer festival) featuring eisa dance plus, food booths and kitchen cars. There will also be lots of games and inflatable bouncies to make this a fun event for kids as well.
Eisa dance is traditionally performed on the last day of kyu-bon (old bon period), where locals welcome the spirits of their ancestors. It is meant to warmly send off the ancestors back to the afterlife. In this festival, however, the dance is performed to celebrate the summer and promote the traditional performing arts.
One of the biggest draws of this summer festival will be michi junee, a parade by eisa dancers, which normally takes place on the street. Another main feature will be Eisa Gaaee, where dancers compete against each other.
Come to Ginowan Seaside Park and join in on the fun!
Natsumatsuri Uchinachu Eisa Matsuri (Summer Festival Okinawans’ Eisa Festival)
Location: Ginoawan Seaside Park (26.281315, 127.735167)
Date: Aug. 23-24 (Sat, Sun)
Time: 3 – 9 p.m.
