Karatsu Kunchi Festival

Karatsu Kunchi is a festival representative of Saga prefecture. It is held annually on the first week of November, and was designated as an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The festival dates back to the late 16th century, and began as a spiritual event at Karatsu Shrine. The main spectacle of Karatsu Kunchi is the 14 hikiyama, or floats, that are made in the shape of animals such as lions and sea breams. The hikiyama are carried throughout the town along to the beat of flutes and drums.