Japan has a long tradition of festivals to celebrate the change of the seasons, religious events, to honour their ancestors and other special days and events. The Japanese word "matsuri" (festival) originally came from the word "to invite" or "to worship".
The original purpose of the matsuri was a means of inviting the "Kami" or deities, giving them offerings in respect and in hope
for prosperity, good health and happiness. Festivals often have colourful parades where a portable shrine, called "a mikoshi",
that the invited Kami rides in, is carried through the procession. Many festivals are seasonally based and celebrate the Gods of
the natural environment. The Spring festivals are held to prey for a good crop, summer festivals are held to ward of evil and
disease ridden insects and autumn festivals are held in thanks for the harvest.
Among Hokkaido's most famous, are the Sapporo Snow Festival and other winter festivals, where snow and ice scupltures
of all shapes and sizes fill the streets.