July 13, 2024 Furuhira Town “Tengu Firewalk”
積丹半島古平町に古の火祭りに行って来ました。
火渡りとは、天狗の面をかぶった「猿田彦（さるたひこ）」の先導で町内を歩き、ご神体を清める儀式です。大きな音の太鼓と軽快な笛の音が響き渡り、約3mほどの高さの火柱の中を、猿田彦は火の粉を蹴散らしながら火渡りを行います。獅子舞やみこしも続いて火渡りをする姿は圧巻の迫力です。
I went to the ancient fire festival in Furuhira-cho, Shakotan Peninsula.
Firewalking is a ritual in which people walk through the town led by Sarutahiko, who wears a tengu mask, to purify the deity. The sound of loud drums and light flutes echoes as Sarutahiko firewalks through a pillar of fire about 3 meters high, scattering sparks. The sight of the lion dance and mikoshi followed by fire walking is truly impressive.