藤原まつりは、かつて東北地方を４代にわたり広く支配（1087年～1189年）していた奥州藤原氏にちなんだおまつりです。毎年春と秋に開催され、春のまつり（５月１日～５日）は全国的にも有名です。開催期間中、特にも圧巻なのは５月３日に開催される「源義経公東下り行列」です。
源義経（1159年～1189年）は鎌倉幕府の初代将軍である源頼朝の弟にあたり、はじめは頼朝とともにいわゆる「源平合戦」において平家を打ち破る功績を果たしましたが、その後頼朝と対立し、最後は自刃に追い込まれた武将です。
日本では、義経は従者である弁慶などと共に多くの伝承や物語となり、今もなお多くの人々に愛されています。
この行列は、源頼朝に追われた源義経が平泉にたどり着き、３代目当主であった藤原秀衡に出迎えられた様子を再現したものです。
毎年、義経役をはじめ多くの人々が当時の衣装に身を包み、馬や牛車を交えた行列を組み、毛越寺から中尊寺まで練り歩きます。
その様子を一目見ようと、沿道は多くの観光客でにぎわいます。
【開催時期】５月１日～５日
【開催場所】平泉町内
詳しくは＜ひらいずみナビ＞を御覧ください。
-May- 【Spring Fujiwara Festival】 Hiraizumi Town
The Fujiwara Festival is based on the Oshu-Fujiwara clan, who successfully ruled the Tohoku region over four generations (1087-1189).
The event is held twice a year in spring and autumn, with the Spring Festival (May 1st – 5th) being a popular event across the nation.
The most spectacular part of the event is the re-enactment of Yoshitsune’s Eastern Flight Processional held on May 3rd.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune (1159-1189) was the younger brother of Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun (ruler) of the Kamakura Shogunate. Alongside Yoritomo, Yoshitsune fought and successfully won against the Taira Clan during the Genpei War. However, afterwards, Yoritomo grew spiteful of his brother and the two split apart, forcing Yoshitsune to commit suicide in his later years. In Japan, Yoshitsune, along with his close retainers such as Benkei, are known and beloved by many through epic tales and legends.
The processional event re-enacts Yoshitsune’s arrival in Hiraizumi upon fleeing from Yoritomo and welcomed by the 3rd head of the Fujiwara Clan, Hidehira.
Every year for the spring festival, those who take on roles as Yoshitsune and other characters, dressed in various clothes of the time, form a slow procession from Motsu-ji Temple towards Chuson-ji Temple with horses and ox carriages. Many people across the nation visit Hiraizumi to see the parade and fill the streets with excitement.
[Event Date] May 1 – 5
[Event Location] Hiraizumi Town
Please check the “Hiraizumi Navi” website for details.