【New Year’s Eve Event】Fire-Quelling Festival at World Heritage Site on Miyajima
This annual Fire-Quelling festival takes place on New Year’s Eve at Miyajima, home to the World Heritage Site, Itsukushima Shrine. This traditional event is a significant ceremony that is cherished not only by the residents of Miyajima but also by all citizens of Hiroshima.
(Source : Miyajima Tourist Information)
The ceremony begins at the shrine’s purification hall, where a sacred altar with the kindled sacred fire (called imibi) is set up. After the chief priest completes the ritual prayers, the flame is transferred to torches and then to a large pyre at the ceremony site located on Misakanohama Beach.
About 20 to 30 residents of Miyajima carrying large torches and gather in the evening at Misakanohama. Torches of various sizes, ranging from about 50cm and larger are crafted. After igniting and extinguishing the sacred fire, people take the smaller torches back home, offering them to their household shrines as protective charms against fire accidents for the coming year.
The procession of the large torch, ignited with calls of “Taimatsu, Yoiyoi! Taimatsu, Yoiyoi!” moves energetically along Migitsuhama Beach, creating a spectacular scene of the beach transformed into a sea of fire. This captivating sight draws numerous visitors from Hiroshima City each year, making it a renowned festival captured in many calendars.
If you’re looking for a unique and traditional way to ring in the New Year, this Fire-Quelling festival might be perfect! Be sure to dress warmly and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Date and Time: December 31, 2023, from 18:00
Place: 1-1 Miyajimacho, Itsukushima, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture
"Discover the Depths of Setouchi with me as your Best Hiroshima Friend!"
I've explored approximately 50 countries from their world heritage sites to even local schools, using local public transportation. I have experienced that the information and knowledge shared by locals made the landscapes and world heritage sites before me more vibrant and more beautiful. And interaction with local people have become treasures in my life.
Now, it's my turn!
Born and raised in Hiroshima, a third-generation survivor of the atomic bombing.
Summer means BEER!
Winter means Hiroshima HOT SAKE!
I’ll give you vibrant and beautiful information from Setouchi and guide you deep into Setouchi as your Best Hiroshima Friend!
