Shurijo Castle Festivals Experience the grandeur of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Experience the grandeur of the Ryukyu Kingdom
Shurijo Castle prospered as the Ryukyu Kingdom's center of politics, diplomacy and culture for approximately 450 years. The castle was the residence of the king and royal family as well as the of the main body of Shuri government, which traded with China, Japan and East Asian countries, resulting in the import of goods and knowledge into the kingdom. It was also the heart of culture and the arts, where court (classical) dance was born to welcome Chinese ambassadors. Here is a list of exciting events for you to travel back to the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Shurijo Castle Festival
Date: October 28-30, November 3, 2011
Lasting for three days, the Shurijo Castle Festival and Shurijo Cultural Festival together comprise one of Shuri's biggest events. During the festival, you can enjoy classical Ryukyu dance and performing arts all day for free. On the third day, its biggest attraction, the Ryukyu-ocho Emaki Parade, takes place on Kokusai Street, featuring the king and queen and Chinese investiture envoys.
Banquet for traditional performances
Date: October 28-30, 2011
Venue: Shuri Castle Shicha-nu-Una court (free area)
Offered at this banquet are the Ryukyuan dance, local traditional performing arts and classical music that were all born at Shuri Castle during the time of the Ryukyu Kingdom. The investiture parade and ceremony are re-enacted on one of these days.
Ryukyu Dynasty Parade
Date: October 30, 2011
Kokusai Street, Naha City
Based on historical records, the Ryukyu-ocho Emaki Parade (Ryukyu Dynasty Parade) reproduces a parade of the king, queen and Chinese delegation followed by traditional music and dance. Enjoy the splendid sight of 1,000 performers parading on Kokusai Street.
New Year’s
Shuri Castle Park New Year's Banquet
January 1-3, 2012
Shuri Castle Park
This event is a re-enactment of the ceremony praying for the prosperity of the Ryukyu Kingdom and conducted in the morning of New Year's Day. Visitors are offered complimentary liquor or tea for longevity and happiness in the year, and Ryukyuan dances and traditional performances are hosted.
Chohai oshiki (New Year's Ceremony) *Entrance fee required.
Date: January 1-2, 2012
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10:00-11:50
Filled with the liveliness of the days of the Ryukyu Kingdom, a re-enactment of chohai (a ceremony welcoming the new year comprising three parts) takes place at Shurijo Castle’s Una Forecourt (paid area).
12:30-17:00
Ryukyuan Performing Arts Celebration:
Resplendent court dances and other Ryukyuan dances including Yotsudake and Kagiyadefu are demonstrated in the Shicha-nu-Una court (free area).
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