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Gion matsuri
Gion matsurl, the festival of the Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, takes place annually from July 17th to 24th. It originated in a procession held in 869 AD. to seek the protection of the deities against a plague that was ravaging the country; the plague abated and ever since, the citizens of Kyoto have observed the festival. On the 17th, when the festival reaches its climax, floats two stories high and sumptuously decorated are drawn through the streets, each accompanied by a retinue of singers and musicians and people to pull the floats along. Each float is topped by a high pole, necessitating the temporary removal of overhead cables from the streets along the route. Clinging to these poles, members of the retinue throw chimahi (sweet rice wrapped in bamboo leaves) to the crowds of spectators; these sweets are said to bring good health in the coming year.