冬季祭典 / Winter festivals

從1月到2月這段期間北海道各地都會舉辦冬季祭典。除了在各個祭典當中可以看到雪雕和冰雕之外，也會舉辦冬季特有的活動。在這些冬季祭典當中，也可以看到販賣當地著名料理的店家。預計於˙二月上旬舉辦的「札幌雪祭」是規模最大而且最著名的祭典，新年過後就開始準備製作大型的雪雕像。

Throughout January and February, many local winter festivals are held in Hokkaido. Each festival is unique but most of them pertain to making snow or ice sculptures or structures. Interesting and unique events on snow are held as festivals mostly. Also, temporary food stands selling local specialty foods are highlights at the events. In Hokkaido, the Sapporo Snow Festival, which is held in the beginning of February every year, is the biggest winter festival and is world famous. For this snow festival, preparations for big snow or ice sculptures start from soon after the New Year holidays.