Shirahama Candle Night is local community effort

Shioya Bay shores are lit with some 4,000 candles this Saturday evening.

Shioya Bay shores are lit with some 4,000 candles this Saturday evening.

Local residents who live at and love Shirahama area facing the Shioya Bay started the Candle Night event in 2011 in order to conserve their natural environment and promote the Shirahama area.

Local groups entertain visitors with hula and other performances.

Local groups entertain visitors with hula and other performances.

On the night of the event, the residents light up some 4,000 hand-made candles that are made from the recycled candles from wedding ceremonies and receptions at local hotels.

Last year, seven regions of Shioya, Yako, Taminato, Miyagi, Taiho, Oshikawa and Esu joined in the event. Local residents and children have prepared pet bottles to use as lanterns by placing candles in them, and decorated the event area.

Besides lighting up the candles, event organizers offer night canoe rides, Eisa dancing and Hawaiian Hula performances. There’s also a local folk song contest and other activities.

The Shirahama Candle Night takes place this Saturday, July 4th, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. The event is postponed by one week in case of rain. Admission to the event is free. The festival ground is at 146 Aza-Shirahama, Ogimi Village. On Google maps the location is at https://goo.gl/maps/XtyI3

candle IMG_3092Schedule

17:30~ Gel candle making
18:45~ Youth chamber Eisa
19:00~ Candles lighti up
19:30~ Hawaiian Hula performance
19:30~ Night canoe riding
20:00~ Local folk song ‘Shioyabashi jowa’ contest
21:00~ Traditional Ryukyu dance show
21:30~ ‘Bunagaya-zu’ live
22:00   End

05:42 29 Mar , 2024