In Tsugaru and other parts of Aomori Prefecture, large illuminated floats are pulled around in procession for summer festivals. The floats are called neputa in Hirosaki City, and feature a large fan-shaped lantern, decorated with colorful paintings. In Aomori City, the floats are called nebuta, and are constructed in the shape of a person or an animal. It is believed that the festival was originally intended to confront spirits that cause sleepiness, driving them away into the sea, and has become gradually more and more gorgeous and larger in scale.