Tanabata Festival - Japanese Festival

The 2025 Tanabata Festival was held at Villa Vogel, in Florence, on June 28 and 29, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with free admission. Organized by the Lailac association, it brought the magic of Japan back to the green heart of District 4.

On the Courtyard stage, traditional Edo-bayashi and taiko sounds alternated with Master Mizuki, the matsuri folk dances of the Hanafuji group, and a performance by Sayuri Shindo on Sunday evening. Activities included the tanzaku ritual with wishes entrusted to bamboo before being taken to Japan for a Shinto ceremony, kanji calligraphy, omikuji, traditional games, and the omikoshi parade. The event also featured markets with kimonos and handicrafts, a matcha tea corner, and authentic street food from the Mangiappone stand.