Far from the usual tourist circuit in the province of Seville, Coria del Río manages to capture everyone’s attention at the height of August during the Toro Nagashi ceremony. This Japanese tradition, meant to honor the souls of the departed and pray for world peace, displays its untamed beauty on August 15.
An event that continues to bring this Sevillian town closer to Japan, which first arrived here in 1614 as part of the Keicho Embassy expedition.
In 2017, Coria celebrated this tradition for the first time, and since then it has attracted visitors and curious onlookers from all over the province. It’s no surprise that so many visitors make the pilgrimage to this Sevillian town, eager to immerse themselves in this experience, since Toro Nagashi takes place outside of Japan only in Coria del Río.
This is how Victoriano Cancelo, Culture Delegate for the Coria del Río City Council, described the event:
Such was the success of recent editions that the promenade will once again be filled with thousands of visitors for the tenth edition of the Toro Nagashi in Coria del Río.
What is Toro Nagashi?
Toro Nagashi literally means “floating lanterns,” and it is a ritual celebrated on the last night of the Obon festival. It is a tribute to ancestors—those who are no longer with us—that involves releasing paper lanterns into the water.
These symbolize the souls of those who have passed away in the past year, and water, in Japan, is linked to the origin of humankind. Therefore, connecting spirit and roots means reconnecting with life and offering peace to their souls.
The origins of this ritual date back to August 1949, commemorating those who perished in the war—including, among other reasons, the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Event schedule and details
This year, the event returns to its full splendor on Friday, August 15, at 8:30 p.m. And it will take place, as tradition dictates, on the Paseo Carlos de Mesa, in front of the Yashiro in Orilla, known as the “temple of souls.”
The waters near Coria will be filled with these biodegradablefloating lanterns to offer rest to the souls and to maintain the close and unique relationship that binds Japan to this Sevillian town.
From there, people will make their way to the banks of the Guadalquivir to release the floating lanterns that will fill the river with light.
These lanterns, which can be purchased on-site for a nominal fee or in advance at Papelería Santa María and L’Kiosko bar, will take center stage in an event brimming with beauty and symbolism.
Alongside the Toro Nagashi, Coria offers a full program of parallel activities. These include Taiko drum performances, street theater, small shops scattered throughout the area specializing in Eastern culture, photo ops, workshops, and games.
In addition, last year the Coria del Río City Council set up three free parking areas, clearly marked from the entrance to the town. These are: Blas Infante Avenue, Pisuerga Street, and Batán Street.
