This video introduces Misasa’s Marie Curie Festival. Since the first edition back in 1951, it became one of the two – with the Hanayu Festival (see May’s video) – most important festivals of the town. Misasa’s hot springs are known all over Japan because they are rich in radium, and this festival has been created as homage to the Polish-French scientist Marie Curie who discovered radium. So, it is a great occasion to be thankful for Misasa’s hot springs and also to reinforce the friendship between Misasa and France. The first Marie Curie Festival was one the founding events of cultural exchange between Misasa and France. And it lasts since more than fifty years on every August. This year it was the 56th Marie Curie Festival and was on August 4th.
In the video you can see the statues dedicated to Marie Curie, the ceremony in her honor and all the performances during the festival including the main event called “Waiwai Parade”. It is a parade during which Misasa’s inhabitants perform traditional dances of the town like “Misasa Kouta”.
Music:
"Swan Song" by Paper Navy (papernavy.bandcamp.com)