Innoshima Suigun Pirate Festival | Onomichi
Celebration
The Inoshima Sailor Festival commemorates the connection between Inoshima and the Murakami pirates (a naval family that once ruled the Seto Inland Sea). The festival is held throughout the year in three phases, ranging from solemn ceremonies to fierce competitions, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.
The island festival commemorates pirate leaders; armored samurai reenact farewell ceremonies, honor ancestors, and perform a symbolic fire procession.
As night falls, the fire festival begins. Warriors, carrying blazing torches, advance along the beach to the sound of victory drums. Dancers perform the lively "Chorakumai" dance, and the night concludes with a 15-minute fireworks display.
The maritime festival moves to the water, including a "kohaya" boat race.
As a highlight of the festival, sailors will embark on a thrilling one-kilometer sprint in replicas of fast, wooden pirate messenger ships. The Sea Festival will be held on Sunday, August 30th, from 8:15 AM to 2:30 PM. The Island Festival and Fire Festival will be combined and held on Saturday, September 20th, from 4:45 PM to 8:50 PM.