Matsuri (祭) is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular. Festivals are often based around one event, with food stalls, entertainment, and carnival games to keep people entertained.

There are countless local festivals (祭り, matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates one of its own. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine's deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festival are held over several days.

Matsuri, (Japanese: “festival”), in general, any of a wide variety of civil and religious ceremonies in Japan; more particularly, the shrine festivals of Shintō. Matsuri vary according to the shrine, the deity or sacred power (kami) worshipped, and the purpose and …

Matsuri are held to express gratitude to nature and the gods, to enjoy life, and to foster community. Knowing Matsuri is knowing Japan. You can experience history you would not normally see, interact with the locals, and see a new side of Japanese people.

Through matsuri, the Japanese celebrate and pray for the kami, and together both kami and participants are rejuvenated. Matsuri are rituals to both strengthen the bonds and solidarity within a community and connect that community to the kami.

Mar 24, 2020 · What is a matsuri? Matsuri is the Japanese word for a festival or celebration. Originally, the word matsuri was a generic name used for all Shinto ceremonies. In Japanese, matsuru means "to honor", "to celebrate the gods". It is therefore a feast to thank or pray to the kami (Shinto deities).

Aug 2, 2019 · Fireworks, food, dancing, music and the quirky attraction here and there, there’s nothing quite like Japan’s matsuri festivals. Throughout the year different cities across the nation hold their own unique celebrations of good luck, gratitude, traditional culture and community.

Sep 20, 2024 · Japan’s matsuri are vibrant, community-driven festivals that embody the spirit of Japanese culture, religion, and history. This article delves into the origins of matsuri, the different types of festivals celebrated across Japan, and offers a …

Dec 3, 2024 · Matsuri, festivals in Japan, are often spectacular, filled with color, exuberance, and tradition. Japan has perhaps more unique festivals than any other country in the world, and taking in a matsuri is an unforgettable experience.

Jul 28, 2023 · Matsuri, the name for Japanese festivals, can appear out of nowhere. In this piece, we have a look at matsuri origins, how to prepare for them, and, how to behave during one. There are hundreds of matsuri across Japan throughout the year, but they are particularly prominent in …