In Japan there are numerous local festivals (matsuri). Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine’s deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festivals are held over several days.
Festivals are often based around temples or shrines, and still others around hanabi (fireworks), with stalls for food, entertainment and games to keep people entertained.
Many festivals also feature decorated floats (dashi), which are pulled through the city, accompanied by drum and flute music by the people seated on the floats. Every festival has its own characteristics. While some festivals are calm and meditative, many are energetic and loud.
There are no specific days for festivals (matsuri) in Japan, dates vary from area to area, but festival days tend to cluster around traditional holidays. Almost all locations have at least one festival (matsuri) in late summer/early autumn, usually related to the rice harvest.