40Kazariuma (Decorative Horses)
The kazariuma, or decorative horses, are called hanauma, or flower horses, in Yatsushiro. In the past, 12 horses were issued from Yatsushiro Castle, but in recent years, horse enthusiasts, such as local groups and high school alumni associations, have gathered horses to dedicate to the festival.
On November 11th, the umazoroi, or a parade of horses, is held at Myōken Shrine. After measuring the horses’ bodies and performing a purification rite, the horses will be paraded around the city.
The order of the 12 horses in the procession is determined by a drawing at Shioya Hachiman Shrine at 6 AM on the day of the o-nobori procession on November 23rd.
A gripping horse race of soul-stirring unity between horse and rider is showcased in Tosaki-no-kawara.
