Ohara-Matsuri Festival held in Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Pref. is a citizens’ festival. It was first held in commemoration of 60-year anniversary of municipalization in 1949, when the momentum for post-war restoration was enhanced among the citizens. The name Ohara-Matsuri comes from “Ohara-bushi,” which is the representative folk ballad of Kagoshima Pref. About 20,000 dancers with Yukata and Hanagasa (flower hat) on are dancing around the city to the rhythms of “Ohara-bushi” and “Hanya-bushi.” The roadsides are filled with spectators from all over the country. This is the largest festival in Southern Kyushu Region today. During the first several years, together with Ohara-bushi dancing, the parade of fancily dressed-up automobiles was the highlight event, but since 1961, the dancing parade has become the main event. Ohara-Matsuri Festival can be enjoyed by both participants and spectators. The whole town is full of feverish excitement during this wonderful civil festival.