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Japan has numerous traditional float festivals in which enormous decorated structures are pulled or carried through streets.
The Yama, Hoko, Yatai float festivals involve elaborate floats, music, craftsmanship, and community participation.
Different communities maintain their own designs and traditions.
The construction and decoration of the floats require specialized skills passed between generations.
During festivals, these structures transform ordinary streets into temporary ceremonial spaces.
UNESCO inscribed the group of Japanese float festivals on its Representative List in 2016, with additional recognition reflected in its heritage records.
The fascinating part is that the tradition combines architecture, music, craftsmanship, procession, and community identity in one event.
© UNESCO