Sun is ‘re-born’ at Sunday’s Waka Tida

Yellow Tsuwabuki blooms at Nakagusuku Castle Ruins. ©中城城跡共同管理協議会

The Waka Tida is a tradition in Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku, as communities committed to preserving ancient ceremonies and culture pays homage to the sun.

Clasicial Ryukyu Dance is performed at the ruins.

The Waka Tida Welcoming Ceremony at sunrise Sunday is at the heart of believers who believe the power of the sun is re-born and worthy of special rituals.  Admission is free at Nakagusuku Castle Ruin, a World Heritage Site, Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m., as local Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku Culture Associations recreate the ages old ceremonies and dance.

Performers include the Nakagusuku and Kitanakagusuku Culture Associations’ classical music renditions, Gosamaru Taiko drum performance, local elementary, junior and high school students performing on sanshin, and traditional dance and song performances from the Nakagusuku Cultural Assets Guide and the Gusuku Association.

In conjunction with the Waka Tida, the 5th Japanese silverleaf, ‘Tsuwabuki’, festival opening event will take place starting at 9 a.m. next Tuesday, a Japanese holiday, at Nakagusuku Castle Ruin.  The castle ruins are known for the beautiful Tsuwabuki in Okinawa, and now is the best season to enjoy yellow Tsuwabuki flower blossoms.

The opening event is free.  After the Tsuwabuki, people can experiment with classes of sanshin and ‘sanba’, an Okinawan traditional instrument that has three hand-size wood pieces tied together in addition to Ryukyu and Japanese traditional dance.  The Tsuwabuki event will go on until January 12th. Only next Tuesday’s opening event is free.

19:19 29 Mar , 2024