The Fire Festival, with a history of nearly 800 years, is a dramatic winter ritual held in Moriyama City, Shiga Prefecture.
During the festival, large torches symbolizing a giant serpent are ignited simultaneously, filling the shrine grounds with towering flames. Young men wearing traditional loincloths perform energetic ceremonial dances before the fire, praying for good health and protection from illness in the coming year.
This festival is a beloved New Year tradition in Moriyama and is recognized as one of the three major fire festivals of Shiga Prefecture.
According to legend dating back to the Kamakura period, a giant serpent that had caused illness to Emperor Tsuchimikado was defeated and burned, resulting in the Emperor’s recovery. It is said that the serpent’s body flew to Katsube Shrine, while its head landed at Sumiyoshi Shrine in Ukigami.
In remembrance of this legend, Katsube Shrine holds the ritual burning of torches representing the serpent’s body, offering prayers for a year free from illness and misfortune.
The festival is held annually on the second Saturday of January.