Zōkanzai Winterfest

Zōkanzai Winterfest [坎東筌优萦; ぞうかんざい・えいまち] is a winter festival that takes place in the city of Aoma, Aoma Prefecture every December. The festival attracts the most tourists of any winter festival in the country, and is counted amongst the three largest festivals in the northern region. Every year Zōkanzai Winterfest can draw up to 35,000 visitors to the city of Aoma. It was first established as a folk celebration in the 15th century.
The main event of the festival occurs on the last day of the typical week-long period, at nighttime; a large float made of ice is carried through the city centre, while an array of folk dancers and singers precede it, often bearing flaming torches and ringing bells. This parade is called the Eiie Procession.
== History ==
The festival is thought to have originated in the 1100s amongst the peasantfolk of coastal Aoma Prefecture. According to sparse historical records, it could be posited that the event began as more of a religious ritual intended to entertain the spirits and dissuade them from making the winter months too harsh. By the 1400s, it was a celebration largely dedicated to the Kiren god of water, Suishin.
During the 1800s, the act of carrying flaming torches (and indeed other large lanterns which were often seen during the festival) was banned due to the potential fire hazard it posed to the surroundings. This ban was lifted in 1960, mostly due to the fact that many buildings were fairly fireproof and could be quickly rescued quickly if need arose by means of the fire service. Today, local firefighters are on alert for the week-long period during which Zōkanzai takes place in case any blaze erupts. In any case, many of the candle-lit paper lanterns used historically have been replaced with battery-powered varieties to reduce the risk.
== Festivities ==
Live music, traditional folk dancing, singing, games, competitions, and ice sculpture viewing are all activities which all visitors are free to participate in. Small igloos (known in Kantonese as korito) are set up in the city's central square and can be used by attendees. Local streetfood vendors congegrate en masse for the festival, and are known to make thousands of dollars during the week. Various friendly competitions, such as snowman pageants, are often held for children.
There is a significant religious element in Zōkanzai also. During the week, many people will visit local temples and pray to Suishin before the New Year, asking for an abundance of food and comfort during the cold early spring.