Written by Aarohi Narain
The Mamada Snake Festival sees locals carry massive 15-meter-long snakes while chanting “Jaga Maita, Jaga Maita!” This is part of a traditional ritual to ward off bad luck and pray for rain and a bountiful harvest. In 2019, the festival was officially recognized as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
What happens?
In the weeks leading up to the festival, junior high school students in Mamada, Tochigi, construct seven massive snake figures, each representing a different neighborhood.
At 10:30 a.m. on the day of the festival, the snakes leave their respective neighborhoods and make their way to Mamada Hachiman Shrine, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of taiko drums.
The purification ceremony begins at 11 a.m. During this ritual, the chief priest blesses each snake, sacred sake is poured into their mouths, and they are led in a procession around the shrine to receive divine protection.
The official opening ceremony follows at 11:30 a.m., setting the stage for one of the festival’s most anticipated events: the Water Drinking Ceremony. At 12 p.m., the snakes are carried to a pond, where their heads are forcefully plunged into the water, sending dramatic splashes in all directions. Some of the carriers even jump into the pond themselves —- an exhilarating spectacle that draws cheers from the crowd of over 10,000 spectators.
After the water ritual, the snakes are paraded through town. Some households welcome them into their homes, believing in their power to ward off evil and bring blessings. As a token of appreciation, it is customary to wrap coins in paper and offer them to the carriers.
As evening approaches, the festival concludes with the Snake Massage — a spirited finale where the giant snakes sway and stir up dust, marking the end of the day’s celebrations with aplomb.
Pro tip: Curious about other snake festivals? Check out this one in Saitama.
Schedule
The festival takes place on May 5 each year.
How to get there
From Shinjuku Station, take the Shōnan–Shinjuku Line to Ōmiya Station. Then, switch to the Utsunomiya Line to Mamada Station. From there, it’s a 15 minute walk to the festival site, Mamada Hachiman Shrine. The whole journey should take about two hours, including the walk.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.