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The smaller floats impressed the audience because they were adorned with stunning tapestries, miniature trees, and beautiful figurines. Each float had a legendary story behind it. 
Culture

1,000-year-old Gion Matsuri festival resumes in Kyoto, Japan

After four years of pandemic shutdowns, the grand Gion Matsuri festival resumed in all its glory this July, with bells, gongs and flutes chiming atop massive floats decked out in lavish tapestries and treasures.

The World

The smaller floats impressed the audience because they were adorned with stunning tapestries, miniature trees, and beautiful figurines. Each float had a legendary story behind it.  

Monica Narang/The World

Bells, gongs and flutes chimed atop massive floats decked out in lavish tapestries and treasures throughout Kyoto, Japan, as the grand 1,000-year-old Gion Matsuri festival resumed in all its glory this July after four years of pandemic shutdowns. 

The procession was held on an extremely scorching hot day, so the men dressed in period costumes often held red umbrellas or small straw discs to keep cool. 
The procession was held on an extremely scorching hot day, so the men dressed in period costumes often held red umbrellas or small straw discs to keep cool.  Monica Narang/The World

Massive throngs of people from across Japan as well as international visitors came to the festival this year. 

This UNESCO World Heritage event originally started as a custom to appease the gods and prevent plagues but has now evolved into a major event. Large floats up to 80 feet tall and weighing up to 12 tons are pulled through the streets by groups of 40 to 50 men. Each float has a legendary story attached to it. 

Yoiyama Festival attendees viewed a giant boat float called Fune Hoko, with a legendary story behind it. Attendees also listened to special Gion Bayashi music on all the main floats which was a symphony of gongs, bells, and drums. 
Yoiyama Festival attendees viewed a giant boat float called Fune Hoko, with a legendary story behind it. Attendees also listened to special Gion Bayashi music on all the main floats which was a symphony of gongs, bells, and drums. Monica Narang/The World
Two boys take part in creating Gion Bayashi music.
Two boys take part in creating Gion Bayashi music.Monica Narang/The World

Even today, the festival continues the practice of selecting a local young boy to be a celestial divine messenger called a chigo san. The child cannot set foot on the ground from July 13 until after he has been paraded through town on July 17. The chigo san rides on top of the gorgeous main float, Naginata Hoko, and cuts a sacred rope with a sword to signal the start of the procession.

These stunning floats appear as movable art museums featuring a collection of Kyoto’s finest craftsmanship and artistry, yet they are maintained by neighborhood guilds.

Excited viewers on both sides of the street applauded and cheered for the men from various neighborhoods who pulled each float by hand. 

On top of each of the major floats sat a group of musicians playing a harmonious symphony of gongs, bells and drums called Gion Bayashi music. The Gion Bayashi music rhythm pattern makes the sound of “konchikichin,” and this comforting rhythm brings the community together throughout the festival. 

It was also fascinating to watch how these massive floats get turned. Float handlers laid out many cut and flattened pieces of bamboo slats on the ground. They then pour water on top of the bamboo slats. As the float handlers chant, they work in unison to pull the entire float so that the large wheels slid across the bamboo slats. They repeat the process until the entire float has turned.

Wandering through the main Yoiyama festival prior to the procession, hundreds of thousands of people flowed onto Kyoto’s major streets, which were closed to traffic so that festival-goers could also enjoy delicious snacks from stalls selling yakitori, okonomiyaki, taiyaki and more.

During the Gion Matsuri Yoiyama Festival prior to main procession, various neighborhood associations set up stalls selling souvenirs and lucky charms, known as chimaki. 
During the Gion Matsuri Yoiyama Festival prior to main procession, various neighborhood associations set up stalls selling souvenirs and lucky charms, known as chimaki. Monica Narang/The World

The festival wraps up at the end of July with several events at the main shrine, where special golden palanquins housing deities called Mikoshi reside.

Golden palanquins called Mikoshi, where deties are housed, were placed in  downtown Kyoto for people to offer donations and prayers, before it was taken back to the main shrine on July 24.
Golden palanquins called Mikoshi, where deties are housed, were placed in  downtown Kyoto for people to offer donations and prayers, before it was taken back to the main shrine on July 24.Monica Narang/The World

A sacred wreath made of ropes is set up so that people can cross it to gain blessings and good luck. 

The golden palanquins, Mikoshi, were paraded through the street to honor the deities and were then returned to the main shrine at midnight on July 24.
The golden palanquins, Mikoshi, were paraded through the street to honor the deities and were then returned to the main shrine at midnight on July 24.Monica Narang/The World

This year’s festival offered up many memorable moments, including the unique float with a wooden praying mantis on top of an oxcart — the only mechanical float in the entire procession.

The praying mantis float on top of an oxcart, also known as Toro Yama, was a fan favorite with both adults and children, especially when the master craftsmen spread its wings and turned its head. 
The praying mantis float on top of an oxcart, also known as Toro Yama, was a fan favorite with both adults and children, especially when the master craftsmen spread its wings and turned its head. Monica Narang/The World

When the craftsman opened the praying mantis’ wings and moved its head by using mechanical levers, everyone cheered in sheer delight. This mechanical praying mantis must have stunned the crowds centuries ago.

For more photos of the Gion Matsuri festival by Monica Narang, check out her Instagram account: @mopica. 

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