Paper lantern festival in Nihonmatsu

The Nihonmatsu paper lantern Festival is a traditional festival held on the first Saturday, Sunday and Monday of October every year in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture. This festival has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukushima Prefecture and began approximately 370 years ago (1643). During the festival, taiko floats from seven neighborhoods parade through the city, and the lights of the paper lantern create a fantastic atmosphere. The festival lasts for three days, and on the first day, at 5pm, the Taikodai floats from the seven neighborhoods gather in the center of the city, and the lanterns are all paper lantern at once by the sacred fire of Nihonmatsu Shrine. Afterwards, the Taikodai floats parade through the city to the tune of emotional festival music, creating a spectacular sight. Source of information and images: Official event website (please refer to the information section at the bottom of the page for the website URL)