The 11 neighborhoods that organize the festival are divided into seven dance groups each, with each group taking turns putting on the festival. Since each group has its own distinctive floats and dances, it takes at least seven years to see all variations of the festival. This is what makes this festival so rich and exciting. Y ou need a ticket for seats near the central stage, but there's a long hill with 73 stone steps leading to Suwa Shrine along which people can stand for free. Since it's one of the best places to view the festival, fans start showing up the day before to save a good spot.
Some people even camp out two nights to get the very best places.
T he festival begins in the early morning hours of October 7 when the colorful floats and dancing of five dance groups are featured. The highlight is a dance of a dragon chasing a golden ball performed to music played with ancient Chinese instruments. D uring the festival, celebrations are held all over the city, and the sounds of bells and gongs echo through the streets. The Nagasaki city government expects 350,000 people to turn out for the festival this year.