Daijyayama Festival is one of Omuta’s signature Summer events. It is held on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of July and is a big festival which over 30 thousand people attend every year.
The origins of the festival are said to have been born over 300 years ago, when beliefs in water gods (symbolized by snakes and dragons) and Gion, the god of agriculture and sickness prevention, intertwined.
On the day of the festival, the sky over Omuta burns bright red with fire works. Floats from each district called “Daijyayama” march through the main street, while the large decorative snakes on the floats open the eyes widely and spew seven-colored sparks from their gaping mouths.“Kamase” is a tradition that nearly all locals have experienced at least once in which people have the big snake “bite” their children in hopes of ensuring their good health. Various attractions and general dances also take place around the venue, adding to the excitement.