祭り "Matsuri" - (Summer) Festival

Summer is the season for 祭り "Matsuri" (festival). Throughout summer season, especially during the "Obon" period, during when (in mid August) our ancestors who passed away are believed to come back to this world for few days. Also many "Matsuri" at the end of summer, at the end of August or early September. During the "Matsuri" season, people would go back to where they are originally from, so this is a nice opportunity to do reunion as well.
Local resident get together and walk around the city, carrying "Mikoshi" (portable shrine) during the festival. People would drink Sake (Japanese alcohol) (and beer and others, of course), which would turn people very lively. "Matsuri" would change the city into an exciting place for everyone as well.