Etchu

Annually on April 17

Marumage Festival

The Marumage Festival originates from the story of geiko (geisha girls) who went to Senju-ji Temple to pray for a happy marriage in marumage style (with their hair in a chignon, which is the hairstyle of married women). Every year on April 17th, a parade of unmarried women in colorful kimono wends its way along the streets led by girls wearing flower-hats. (These days, anyone can sign up to join the parade.)