For the first time in three years, Kyoto’s famous Gion Matsuri Festival was held this month. Sometimes regarded as the most famous festival in Japan, the Gion Matsuri is highlighted by the the grand procession of floats (Yamahoko Junko) on July 17th, which consists of 23 yamahoko floats parading down the streets. As one can imagine, it gets incredibly crowded, and this year has shown a busy turnout for those who have been waiting for the festival to return.

But as local store owner @a_cupapa recently shared in a video that has been warming the hearts of animal lovers online, it's not just humans that flock to the parade.

In the video, which shows streets in front of Yasaka Shrine busy with crowds and traffic, police gather to protect a family that is trying to safely make their way home--a family of ducks!

The ducks are likely making their way to the Kamo River, which flows nearby. Many on Twitter were relieved and touched to see the police slowing down traffic and creating a physical barrier around the duck family, making sure they could safely pass through at their own pace. As you can see in the video, the ducks attracted quite a crowd themselves by waddling through.

Perhaps after three years of waiting, they were excited to see the floats as well.