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descript=Nebuta is thought to be a combination of the Chinese Tanabata Festival and the local customs of Aomori's farming community.  Both involved lanterns and are believed to have naturally blended together over time.  The name 'Nebuta' itself comes from the adjective for 'sleepy' in Aomori dialect - neputai - as the main goal of the aforementioned customs was to waken people up during the dog days of summer.  The modern festival is held in August, attracting 3 million tourists every single year.  The festival parade route is 3.1 kms long and as many as 22 floats can appear in one parade.  Each float is 9 metres wide (27 feet), 7 metres long (21 feet) and 5 metre high (15 feet) - enormous works of art!
