The Nebuta Summer Festival (or Matsuri) that takes place in early August every year in Aomori is quite simply one of the most unforgettable and unique street parades in the world. Local teams work each year to build 24 huge floats using wire frames covered with washi paper that sometimes represent Japanese gods and mythical creatures, but also historical figures and the contemporary actors that play them in Kabuki theatres and on Japanese TV. These intricately crafted sculptures are then lit from the inside with thousands of colourful lights and paraded each night around a 3km loop in the town of Aomori. Thousands of people take a part in carrying the floats, parading with taiko drums, flutes and cymbals, and dancing in traditional costumes chanting Rassera! Rassera!It's breathtaking to watch the vivid, colourful floats weaving at night through the throngs of musicians and dancers and you can find your own spot or reserve seating to enjoy it all. But that's not all. Anyone, regardless of age or ability, is invited to join in as long as they are wearing the traditional haneto dancing costume (which can be rented for about $30 from shops all over Aomori). Unforgettable!