F E S T I V A L ／ FEST-146

Kinekosa Matsuri

きねこさ祭きねこさまつり

A festival held on lunar January 17 at Shichishosha in Iwatsuka, Nakamura Ward, Nagoya — one of the 'three great strange festivals of Owari.' Nagoya City Designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The name comes from the ritual implements 'kine' (pounder) and 'kosa' (mochi). Twelve white-clad men of the calamitous age first purify themselves in the Shōnai River, then, after rites at the shrine, swing a bamboo implement tipped with mochi into the surrounding crowd. To be struck by it is held to bring exorcism and family safety. An ancient strange festival praying for prosperity of descendants, peace, and abundant harvest.