Miss Nebuta
All parades during the Nebuta Festival are headed by three Miss Nebutas, who ride in a convertible ahead of the Nebuta floats while waving at the assembled crowds. The Miss Nebuta pageant was first held in 1972. Young women compete to be the first place Miss Nebuta Grand Prix or one of the two supporting Miss Nebutas. The final pageant takes place in the Wa Rasse museum and the contest winners are announced in early summer. During the one-year period afterwards, the Miss Nebutas attend various events throughout Japan to promote both the Nebuta Festival and the city of Aomori.