Uwajima Ushi-oni Festival

Conducted by Warei-jinja Shrine on Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, the Ushi-oni Festival is a Shinto ritual to ward away misfortune as well as a summer festival and is considered one of the three greatest festivals on the island of Shikoku. Thrilling events are held over the three days of the festival, enwrapping the area in an energy-filled atmosphere. The festival starts with the Gaiya Carnival, a parade of dynamic group dances. This is followed by events such as the Ushi-Oni Parade, in which gaint ushi-oni (bull-ogre figures) and traditional parade floats tour the city to stirring cries; a bull fighting competition; fireworks display; and three traditional portable shrines event in which teams climb a pole to protect their shrines.