Ghost Month Opens: Xitou Monster Village Invites Japanese Spirits for a “Night Parade of a Hundred Demons”

▲Xitou Monster Village specially invited its sister street “Kyoto Ichijo Hyakkiyako” to welcome the opening of Ghost Month together. (Photo / fromXitou Monster Village’s official fan page, the same below)

Reported by Travel Center / Compiled

As the gates of the underworld swing open during the lunar seventh month, Xitou Monster Village hosted its grand “Monster Carnival” on the 27th, featuring a spectacular monster parade. Not only did all the monsters from the village come out in full force, but special guests—Japanese monsters from as far as Kyoto—also joined in the fun. Visitors were encouraged to let loose and celebrate without any taboos alongside these spooky yet playful creatures.

“Boom！Boom！Boom！Boom！” The deep, powerful beat of drums echoed through the air, resonating strongly in the hearts of every visitor present. To the rhythm of the drums, monsters emerged in broad daylight, marching in an impressive procession toward the large red torii gate of Monster Village. Many visitors also dressed up as uniquely themed ghosts and ghouls to join the parade, dancing wildly with the village’s own monsters in a “wild revelry of demons.”

▲Many visitors dressed up as various ghosts and monsters, joining in the fun with the spooky residents.

However, among the massive parade of supernatural beings, three particular monsters caught the eye of visitors the most. They were specially invited by Xitou Monster Village from its sister street—the “Kyoto Ichijo Hyakkiyako” of Kyoto’s Daimyo Shopping Street—to participate in Taiwan’s event. The “Blue-faced Monster,” clad in monk robes, sported a fierce expression that made him look angry at everyone he saw. The “Three-eyed Rabbit-lipped Monster,” dressed like an ancient Japanese noble, seemed to be the most mild-mannered of the group, always seeming to enjoy the festivities no matter the occasion. Meanwhile, the “Red-faced Long-tongue Monster,” wearing a blue yukata and always wearing a friendly smile, had such a long, red tongue that made visitors both want to get close and feel a little scared.

Xitou Monster Village stated that although the lunar seventh month is traditionally considered an inauspicious time, the village has taken a different approach by celebrating Ghost Month with a lighthearted and joyful atmosphere every year. This year, they once again invited Kyoto’s “Hyakkiyako” to join in, and even arranged for ninja performers from Iga Ueno to demonstrate how to use traditional ninja weapons, ensuring that all visitors could enjoy a fun and memorable Ghost Month experience.