2025年あばれ祭り (2025 Abare Matsuri)
From the beginning of July to the end of October, the Kiriko Matsuri Season takes place on the Noto Peninsula. キリコ (ki ri ko) is carried by the local members of the 町内会 (Cho nai kai) or, in English, the neighborhood association, during Matsuri in Noto Cho. A Kiriko can be over 10 meters tall and weigh between 1 and 2 tons. The Kiriko at the Abare Matsuri is 7 meters high, and 20 to 30 people carry the Kiriko during the Matsuri around Ushitsu. The Abare Matsuri has over 40 different Kiriko.
A kiriko is designed with many lanterns, inlays, drums, flowers, and more. Every town and area of a town designs its Kiriko differently. Kiriko has been used in Matsuri all over the Noto Peninsula for centuries.
In Noto Cho, between July and the end of September, there are more than 20 Kirko Matsuri. The largest of the Kiriko Matsuri are the あばれ祭り(Abare Matsuri)、松波人形キリコ祭り(Matsunami Ningyo Kiriko Matsuri)、小木袖ギリコ祭り(Ogi sode giriko Matsuri)、柳田大祭(Yanagida Taisai)、にわか祭り(Niwaka Matsuri)、真脇キリコ祭り(Mawaki Kiriko Matsuri)、どいやさ祭り(Doiyasa Matsuri)、恋路火祭り(Koiji Hi Matsuri). Many more smaller Kirko Matsuri are being held on weekends throughout the summer in Noto Cho. There are many other Kiriko Matsuri throughout Noto Peninsula, including the 輪島大祭 (Wajima Taisai) and the 七尾祇園祭り(Nanao Gion Matsuri).
Kiriko Lanterns of the Sakiyama 2 Chome Kiriko and the Yasaka Gumi Kiriko in Ushitsu.
Inlays and Carvings of the Sakiyama 2 Chome Kiriko and Yasaka Gumi Kiriko in Ushitsu
In 2025, due to the January 1st, 2024, Noto Earthquake, some of the Matsuri have been canceled this year, and some will be held. The Abare Matsuri is being held on July 4th and 5th, 2025, as usual. The 2025 Koiji Hi Matsuri has been canceled but will be resumed in the coming years.
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