It's already more than one week after Gion Matsuri started but this short translation (from the official website) of its calendar will serve you every years (all the dates are as of July). This is very short and you will probably want more informations, but at least it gives a good overall of what to look for during this fabulous event ...
* From 1st to 5th
- Kippuiri : The managers of the yamaboko gather and pray for the safety of the festival.
- Nikaihayashi : Training of the musician of the yamaboko begins
- Naginatabokochigo osendo : Introduction of the selected sacred child to the Gods in Yasaka shrine
* On the 2nd :
- Kujitorishiki : Order of procession of the Yamaboko is decided randomly at City hall.
- Yamabokochoushasan : Each manager of the yamaboko go to pray for the safety of the floats at Yasaka shrine.
* On the 5th :
- Chigomaihirou : The sacred child is introduced to people in the city.
* On the 7th :
- Ayakasabokoshasan : The 6 servants of the sacred child go to pray at Yasaka shrine.
* On the 8th :
- Miyabiaosendo : Geiko serving during the festival go to pray to the Yasaka shrine
* On the 10th :
- Shinjiyousuishinarai : The water used to wash the Mikoshi is taken from the Kamogawa river and brought to the Chuugenji temple.
- Omukaezyouchin : On the evening a procession of lantern crosses the city toward the washed Mikoshi.
- Mikoshiarai : Mikoshi are got of from Yasaka shrine and get washed on Obashi bridge (on Shijo avenue) with the water of the Kamogawa river.
- Shinarai : Purification ceremony of the Yamaboko
- Hokotate : Construction of the Yamaboko
- Hokohikizome : Test of good construction of Yamboko by making them move on few meters.
* On the 12th :
- Araretenjinsanhanmandosai : Every 25 years a special ritual is hold on Araretenjinsan (next one in 2022)
* On the 13th :
- NaginataBokochigoshasan : The sacred child is blessed in Yasaka shrine.
- Hisayokomagatachigoshasan : The sacred child performed a ritual riding a horse in Ayatokunaka shrine.
* From the 13th to the 15th :
- Yamaken : Ending of the construction of the Yamaboko
- Choukaishokazarituke : Packing back all the tools used for the construction
* From the 13th to the 16th :
- Gionbayashi : The Yamaboko are on display
- Kikusuihokochounochakai : A tea ceremony is performed
* On the 15th :
- Tokidatetate : An ornament of bamboo is built and offered from people of Takahashichou.
- Mitaraiidobiraki : People participating to the festival wash their face and hands with water of a sacred well at karasumanishikouji.
- Yoimiyasai : The Mikoshi are displayed in Yasaka jinja
* From the 15th to the 16th :
- Yoiyama / Kazariseki : Yamaboko are decorated, treasures of Yamaboko owners are on display in their houses, and music performance are hold all around.
- Byoubusai : Old paintings and screens are dispayed to everyone
- Housangyouji : Kagura is performed in Yasaka shrine.
* On the 16th :
- Kenchasai : Tea ceremony is hold in Yasaka shrine.
- Ennougyoujasangomatakikuyou : A service for the dead is hold by itinerant monk.
- Hiyorikagura : The passengers of each Yamaboko parade in Teramachi and Gion while playing music
- Abarekannon : The statue of Kannon in Minamikannonyama is tied to a pedestal with a cloth
* On the 17th :
- Yamakazari : Yamaboko are equipped for the parad.
- Yamabokojunko : the 32 Yamaboko parad in the street.
- Kujiaratame : The order of procession as decided previously is supervised by the mayor of Kyoto.
- Shimenawakiri : The rope holding the ornament of bamboo offered during Tokidatetate is cut by the sacred child
- Yasakajinjayouhai : A sacred branch of tree is offered to the God at Yasaka shrine.
- Shinkousai : The Mikoshi are taken off from Yasaka shrine and brought to the city through the Obashi bridge.
* On the 23rd :
- Senchakenchasai : Tea ceremony in Yasaka shrine
- Ohakeshinji : A vegetal ornament is built around the tori of Sanjoushinmachi
* On the 24th :
- Hanagasajunkou : All those who have participated in the festival parade from the city hall to the Yasaka shrine where a lot of artistic event are hold.
- Kankousai : The Mikoshi return to Yasaka shrine.
* On the 25th :
- Kyogenhounou : Kyogen is performed in Yasaka shrine.
* On the 28th :
- Mikoshiarai : The Mikoshi are washed once again in the Kamogawa river.
* On the 29th :
- Shinjizumihoukokusai : The Gods are informed that the festival is over in Yasaka shrine.
* On the 31st :
- Ekijinshanagoshisai : A big wheel of sprout is made in Yasaka shrine. Those who pass through are protected from bad things.
All the guests seemed to be enjoying the food and meeting new people at the party.
Happy Birthday!!!!
