| Numata Festival (Aug 3-5) |
 |
The Numata Gion festival, which is said to be one of the best and most exciting festivals in northern Kanto, marks the beginning of the Numata festival. Many giant floats, called mando, each with its own festival music and decorations, are pulled around the town. Each of the various communities in Numata has its own portable shrine (mikoshi) which are brought out for the festival. The mikoshi from the Suga and Haruna shrines are especially impressive. The highlight of the festival is to see the large tengu (long nosed goblin) mask which is carried by women to pray for the safety of their families. The more than 200 street stalls lining the festival route are a popular attraction with young and old alike.
|
Oigami hot springs giant snake festival |
 |
On May 3rd, a giant snake float weighing two tons and stretching to a length of 108 meters is brought out from its holding place at the Akagi shrine. On the 7th and 8th, 200 participants in the festival hoist the snake into the air and parade it around the streets. Adventurous souls are always welcome to join in. |
Numasu puppet theater (A city cultural asset) |
 |
The puppet theater is held every year on April 3rd at the Toishi shrine, having originated in the end of the Edo period. Both the performance itself and the doll heads used in it have been designated as cultural assets of the city. |
Hirade kabuki (A city cultural asset) |
 |
Hirade kabuki is one of seven farmers' kabuki troupes in Gunma. Having originated in the middle of the Edo period, the troupe currently performs at events and art festivals. |
|
|
