Kanda Matsuri
| Kanda Matsuri | |
|---|---|
 Kanda Matsuri, 2009. | |
| Observed by | Tokyo |
| Type | Religious |
| Date | Saturday or Sunday nearest 15 May |
| Related to | Fukagawa Matsuri, Sannō Matsuri |
Kanda Matsuri (神田祭) or the Kanda Festival, is one of the three great Shinto festivals of Tokyo, along with the Fukagawa Matsuri and Sannō Matsuri. The festival started in the early 17th century as a celebration of Tokugawa Ieyasu's decisive victory at the battle of Sekigahara and was continued as a display of the prosperity of the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period.[1] Additionally, the current form of the festival is also held in honor of the kami of the Kanda Myojin.[2]
The festival is held on the Saturday and Sunday closest to May 15, but since it alternates with the Sannō Matsuri, it is only held on odd numbered years. On these years, the festival takes place at the Kanda Shrine in Kanda, Tokyo as well as surrounding central Tokyo districts. Its prominent parades involve about over 200 mikoshi, in addition to musicians, dancers and floats.[3]
See also
References
- ^ "Kanda Matsuri Festival". Discovery Events Guide. Travel Channel. Retrieved 2008-03-22. [dead link]
- ^ "Festivals". Japan Zone. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
- ^ "Kanda Matsuri". Japan National Tourist Organization. Retrieved 2008-03-19.
External links
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