Hakata Yamakasa Festival

Last week here in Fukuoka City, or Hakata as it is also known, there was a spectacular festival held.
Hakata Gion Yamakasa (博多祇園山笠) is Fukuoka’s most famous 祭り (matsuri) or festival.

The festival is celebrated starting with pre-event festivities from July 1st and culminating in the finale on July 15th.
The finale is a float race between the seven districts of the old Hakata city neighborhoods.

The history behind it is 760 years old.
It is said to have started after an epidemic in the city that claimed many lives.
To cleanse the city, a monk sprinkled 'holy water' through the streets while being carried on a Buddhist ceremonial litter.
These origins still survive in the current festival as water is splashed through the streets as the floats are carried through.

The final race begins at 4:59 am, and Fukuoka natives often make a big event of it, drinking all night and culminating in watching the race in the early morning.

The subways and buses in Fukuoka also arrange special services for this special day!