Chichibu Yomatsuri is a festival of floats and parades, which is held in the town of Chichibu. Chichibu is located close to the city of Tokyo. This is one of the chief festival attractions if you are visiting Tokyo in the Month of December. This is a two day event held on the 2nd and 3rd of December each year. The celebrations on the second day is more spectacular than on the first day. The name 'Yomatsuri' means festival of night. Some of the most spectacular Japanese lightings can be seen in this festival.
History of Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival
Chichibu Yomatsuri festival dates back to three hundred years. The celebration takes place in honor of the Gods who are said to protect the Chichibu Shrine. There are six floats in all, each of which are dedicated to the Gods.
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What to See at Chichibu Yomatsuri Festival
In the parade of Chichibu Yomatsuri, thousands of young men, women and children participate in the fun and frolicking. The specialty of the festival is that the traditional Japanese customs and culture is given utmost importance. The floats, which are used as stage are indeed very heavy objects and each of them weigh over tens tons. The ten meter high structures are beautifully decorated with spearheads, paintings, sculptures and Japanese lanterns. The float parade starts off at around seven in the evening and the venue of the start off is fixed at Chichibu Shrine. Children entertain the crowd with the dance performances and the kabuki dramas. People indulge in eating and drinking. To serve the need of the people innumerable number of shops are put up on the roadside.
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