Every September, Kishiwada hosts the most famous of Japan's danjiri festivals. Hundreds of people pull carved wooden floats, known as danjiri, through the city. The musicians on each danjiri beat out a steady rhythm while the cartwright leaps and dances on the roof. At regular intervals the tempo increases dramatically as the pulling teams break into a run. The danjiri hurtle along the streets at breakneck speeds fearlessly negotiating the tight corners. It is not unusual for a cornering danjiri to damage buildings or even overturn. The evenings are more of a family affair. The danjiri are decorated with traditional lanterns and towed at a much more leisurely pace.
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