The Mountain Festival has begun!
Every August in Fujiyoshida, Japan, residents hold a Festival honoring the goddess of Mt. Fuji to keep the volcano from erupting for another year. For this lively two day Festival, named one of Japan’s three most unique festivals and celebrated for over 500 years, the entire community comes out to watch the burning of large “taimatsu” torches and the parade of two large Omikoshi (portable shrines) through the streets. The Festival is one of Fujiyoshida’s most prized cultural possessions. Fujiyoshida, Japan is a sister city to Colorado Springs and this year we celebrate our 50th anniversary.
Over the next week, many events will be held throughout the city honoring the cultural connections between Colorado Springs and Fujiyoshida. On August 4, from 12-8 p.m. at America the Beautiful Park, a free family event will feature diverse performers, artisans, craftsman, activities, experiences, food and fun, celebrating culture and diversity! Special recognition will be given to our Waldo Canyon heroes from both stages all day long. The authentic Japanese cultural activities, interactive dances and songs, all culminating in a FujiKaen Taiko Drumming performance, are not to be missed.
A list of all the events, locations and times, can be found on the Festival’s website, csfirefestival.webs.com.
Mayor Steve Bach met with the honorable Mayor Shigeru Horiuchi of Fujiyoshida, who has come to Colorado Springs to help us celebrate this Festival. The two Mayors met at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center to view some of the preparations being made for the Mountain Festival.
Mayor Horiuchi said he was very sad to hear about our devastating Waldo Canyon Fire. All of Fujiyoshida wished us well through the crisis. Mayor Horiuchi will present to Colorado Springs a check for $11,415, money raised by the people of Fujiyoshida to help our people displaced by the Fire.
Mayor Bach thanked Mayor Horiuchi for his concern and contributions to our recovery. “We are thankful for the generous donation from our sister city - that will go directly to Colorado Springs Together – helping those affected by the Waldo Canyon Fire. We look forward to a week of celebrating our sister city Fujiyoshida.”

