July 01, 2008
Gion Matsuri2008
| Gion Matsuri (祇園祭) The Gion Matsuri is one of the three largest local festivals in Japan. The other two are the Kanda Matsuri in Tokyo and Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka. Gion Matsuri is known as its long history, its big scale (it continues for a month) and its royal splendor. About 1100 years ago, 66 halberds representing the 66 provinces were erected to pray against illnesses. This is allegedly how Gion Matsuri started. The parade (Yamahoko Junko) on 17th July is the climax of the festival. 32 of Yamas and Hokos (helberds, later, used in religious ceremony) carry a Hayashi(festival music) players of 40-50 members. 29 of Yamas and Hokos are designated as one of the important cultural property. The parade starts 9:00 am, from Sijo Karasuma Street, via Kawaramachi Street, to Oike Street. Naginata boko (Hoko) is at the head. During the parade, you can see traditional performance such as “Simenawagiri”, “Kujiaratame”. One fun part of the parade is called Tujimawashi which is to enable the Hoko/Yama to turn easily when going around corners, wet bamboo is laid under the wheels. 12tons and 8-25 meters of Hoko/Yama is then pulled almost on a 90 degrees angle to make it slide with great exiting. |
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kawase_jp at 00:01
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│Kansai Area event
