The traditional horse parade known as 'Chagu Chagu Umakko' took place on Saturday in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan. The event featured about 70 horses decorated with colorful saddles and jingling bells, parading through rice fields and city streets.
This longstanding local cultural festival honors the close bond between humans and horses in agriculture and daily life. The bells produce a distinctive jingling sound as the procession passes, creating a lively and solemn atmosphere.
The 'Chagu Chagu Umakko' festival is held annually in Takizawa City and surrounding areas, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan, drawing large crowds of locals and tourists.