新井祭り (Arai Festival)
The Arai Matsuri in Arai, Myoko, Niigata takes place on the first weekend of August and is one of the city’s biggest summer events. The men of Arai carry on their shoulders a thick straw rope throughout the parade around the city. Some even participate in tug-of-wars. In the evening, the people perform Arabayashi, the traditional dance from the area.