8月中旬の旧盆に行われる「エイサー」は、先祖供養のために行う踊りのこと。久米島では、それぞれの集落の男性を中心に、女性や子供もおそろいの衣装を着て、パーランクーと呼ばれる打楽器を打ち鳴らしながら踊ります。まずは自分たちの集落の家々を練り歩く「道ジュネー」から。そして集落の神社への「奉納エイサー」、最後は大きな広場で大人数での演武です。太鼓や三線、民謡、そして踊り手が一体となった勇壮な様子は集落への誇りを感じさせ、観ていて胸が熱くなります。
Around the middle of August each year locals perform eisa dances in memory of and to honor their ancestors. Centered around the men, women and children all in matching garb dance while beating drums called paranku. Some dances start off by parading through the streets and dancing from house to house in a particular neighborhood. This is followed by a final dance at a local shrine or other designated area where all join in for the finale. As the drums, dancers, singers and sound of the sanshin integrate and become one, you can feel the pride of the village and it warms the soul.