Anniversary Festival

From The Yuriban Encyclopedia

The Anniversary Festival, which occurs in the month of March, is a celebration of the anniversary of the island being opened for immigration and tourism. Generally, the festival also serves to mark the start of the spring and the end of winter, occuring as the snows began to melt away and the crocuses bloom. Generally, it occurs on either the third or fourth weekend of the month, although exact times vary; it is not beholden to a single date.

As with the Matsuri, the festival lasts throughout a single weekend, and generally includes a variety of shops, games, rides, and dining options. Some years, there is a dance or competition portion as well.

The annual festival did not occur in 2007 due to the eruption of the volcano Inishie-san in that same month, making it unsafe to hold a festival at that time.