Nagasaki Kunchi Festival

The Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is a vibrant, colorful celebration that brings the city of Nagasaki to life every October. This festival, with a history stretching over 400 years, is not just a local event but a spectacular showcase of Nagasaki's unique cultural blend, combining Japanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences.

At the heart of the Kunchi Festival are the dazzling performances and parades. Local communities, known as "Nagasaki's districts," prepare all year to present traditional dances, music, and elaborate floats. One of the most famous performances is the "Dragon Dance," originally from China, which has been a part of the festival for centuries. Another highlight is the "Dutch Ship Float," a nod to Nagasaki's history as a port open to the Netherlands during Japan's period of isolation.

The festival takes place at various locations around Nagasaki, including the historic Suwa Shrine. Here, performers in vivid costumes dance and play music, turning the city into a living tapestry of history and festivity.