Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri float parade

Kumagaya Uchiwa Matsuri has a similar story as the more famous Kyoto Gion festival, beginning as a rite to ward off diseases and evil spirits. The float parade in Kumagaya gained individuality because instead of serving boiled rice with red beans, as the custom in the Gion festival, the participants are receiving uchiwa, a type of Japanese rigid fan. Hence the name of Uchiwa Matsuri, the "Fan Festival". In July, 12 floats, each drawn by a large group of men and each with its own orchestra, are paraded through the streets of Kumagaya, in a joyful atmosphere.