Chichibu Yomatsuri is a night festival that is annually held from December 2nd to 3rd. It is one of the top three floats festival is Japan alongside Gion and Takayama festival. The floats are heavily decorated with lanterns, tapestries, and wood carvings. Together with the floats there are people who are played drum and flute music. On December 3rd are the main events of the festival in which the floats are put on display in their respective neighborhoods and Chichibu Shrine. At the climax of the festivities the floats are brought to the plaza of city hall. Once they are lined up, the two and a half hour fireworks show begins at 7:30 pm. It is rare to see fireworks during the winter time and it is very popular to attend. Since it is a festival there will be food stalls and amazake (sweet rice wine) to keep you warm during the cold winter night.
