Held every year from August 2-7, Aomori Nebuta Matsuri is the largest of Japan’s Nebuta (floats featuring warrior-figures) festivals and one of country’s three big annual events. In 1980 it was named an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
During the festivities, more than 20 large Nebuta are paraded through the center of town while people dance to traditional hayashi music.
Everyone is welcome to dance with the Nebuta, as long as they are dressed in the traditional Haneto costume.
On the final night of celebrations, a giant fireworks display is held and the floats are carried out into the sea.
In the past, the lanterns were lit by candles and supported by bamboo frames, while today they use electricity and wire.
The festival attracts about 3 million travelers every year who join in with the traditional shout of “rasse, rasse”!
Main Image by bohnen
