The Ayabe Minatsuki Festival traces its roots to the end of the Meiji Era (1868-1912), when people floated lanterns on a river with prayers for repose of ancestors’ souls. It is the largest event in the city, drawing around 40,000 visitors each year and enlivening the summer in Ayabe. The festival begins with the offering of an Ayabe taiko drum at Kumano Shingu Taisha Shrine. During the day, a parade float with taiko drummers on it makes its way around the city, and in the evening, 10,000 lanterns floating on the river create an enchanting, summery atmosphere. The festival reaches its climax when about 4,000 fireworks are launched from an island in the middle of the Yura River, starting at 8:00 PM. The night before, and before and after the fireworks on the main event’s evening, there is an Ayabe Yosakoi dance performance, incorporating elements of Ayabe Odori folk dance and Yosakoi from Kochi Prefecture.