Guida
Sanuki Takamatsu Matsuri is one of the four great festivals of Shikoku, held in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture. This festival was born in 1964 through the merger of the 'Takamatsu Port Festival,' which began in 1951, and the 'Bon Odori Festival' held on Mt. Yashima since 1947. Today, it serves as a symbol of summer nights in Takamatsu, attracting approximately 580,000 visitors during the event period. The central highlights are the 'Dondon Takamatsu' fireworks, with 8,000 shells lighting up the night sky, and the 'So-odori' dance, where performers parade through the streets.
The roots of this festival lie in the former fishing boat parades, the activities of the Takamatsu Central Shopping District, and the Bon Odori traditions of Yashima. The Takamatsu Port Festival brought the tradition of boat parades and fireworks, while the Bon Odori Festival contributed the community-rooted dance. Their unification created the dynamic modern-day festival. This event, built by the unity of local residents and citizens, plays a vital role in passing down the history and culture of Takamatsu to the next generation.
The centerpiece of the festival is the 'Dondon Takamatsu' fireworks display, which vividly colors the night sky with 8,000 shells, including large shells and star mines. A particularly breathtaking moment is the finale featuring the 'Kamurogiku' (Crown Chrysanthemum). This is a beautiful chrysanthemum-shaped firework where the light trails descend toward the ground like hanging blossoms, captivating all spectators. Another essential element is the 'So-odori' dance performance. The styles of dance, costumes, and musical compositions change every year, offering a unique blend of traditional dance and modern elements.
The festival is held annually for three days from August 12th to 14th, with different programs each day. August 12th features the opening ceremony and the Yukata Grand Prix. August 13th is scheduled for the Genpei Karaoke Championship and the main 'Dondon Takamatsu' fireworks display. August 14th focuses on the 'So-odori' dance, featuring performances based on specific themes. During the evenings, spectators can enjoy dances and fireworks illuminated by lights at various venues, including the main stage, community stages, and the Sunport Takamatsu area.
During the festival, dancers dressed in traditional costumes perform throughout the city. Spectators can observe the intricate details of the 'So-odori' movements, music, and costumes from various locations. It is also a tradition to purchase the official festival T-shirts to support the event. These T-shirts feature stylish pictograms of Takamatsu Castle, the Red Lighthouse, and fireworks designs.
The festival takes place in several areas, including the vicinity of Sunport Takamatsu, the Takamatsu Central Shopping District, and the Ishi-no-Hiroba Stage. These areas host the main stage performances and community-based stages. The entire city becomes a stage for the festival, and it is easily accessible from major tourist spots and transportation hubs within Takamatsu City.
As the festival is held outdoors at night, please prepare according to the temperature and weather. Since cash is often required for various transactions at the venues, it is highly recommended to carry small change and cash for smooth transactions. When watching the fireworks or dances, please be considerate of others' views so as not to block their sight. Regarding crowd conditions and the availability of paid viewing seats, please check the official information in advance.