Each July, the historic city of Kyoto bursts into colour and culture during the Gion Festival. One of its most iconic phases is Saki Matsuri, the “early festival,” which runs from July 10 to July 17. It features the magnificent yamaboko float parade and a variety of traditional events that celebrate Kyoto’s heritage, craftsmanship, and spiritual devotion.
Historical Origins of the Festival
Saki Matsuri finds its roots in the year 869 C.E., when Kyoto was suffering from a deadly epidemic. To appease the gods, people carried sacred halberds through the city in a ritual known as goryō-e. Over the centuries, this event evolved into the vibrant Gion Matsuri. Today, Saki Matsuri serves as the starting phase of this historic celebration, closely tied to Yasaka Shrine, which remains the spiritual heart of the festival.
The Construction of the Floats
From July 10 onwards, local communities begin assembling the grand yamaboko floats. These floats are remarkable wooden structures, some reaching up to 25 meters in height and weighing several tonnes. They are constructed without the use of nails, held together by traditional rope-tying methods passed down through generations. Each float is decorated with detailed tapestries, intricate carvings, and symbols representing Japanese folklore, history, and religious stories.
The Magical Yoiyama Nights
In the days leading up to the parade—particularly from July 14 to July 16—Kyoto's streets come alive with Yoiyama, the festival evenings. Streets like Shijō and Karasuma close to traffic, allowing locals and visitors to walk among the lit-up floats. The air fills with the sounds of traditional music from flutes and drums. Many Kyoto residents open their historic townhouses to display family heirlooms and ancient folding screens, offering a rare glimpse into centuries-old tradition.
Yamahoko Junko: The Float Parade
The main event of Saki Matsuri is the Yamahoko Junko, which takes place on July 17. Twenty-three floats begin their procession at 9 a.m., making their way through central Kyoto. One of the most breathtaking sights is the tsuji-mawashi, where the colossal floats are manually turned 90 degrees at intersections using bamboo poles, water, and teamwork. This moment combines physical strength, precision, and tradition in a powerful display of unity and dedication.
Shinkō-sai: A Sacred Ritual
Once the parade ends, the focus shifts to the Shinkō-sai, where three portable shrines (mikoshi) carrying the deities of Yasaka Shrine are paraded through the city. This act is a symbolic invitation for the divine spirits to enter Kyoto and purify the land, protecting the people from disease and disaster. It is a deeply spiritual conclusion to the Saki Matsuri phase.
Why Saki Matsuri Is Special
Saki Matsuri is more than just a spectacle. It represents Kyoto’s deep connection to tradition, community, and spirituality. The floats are not only engineering marvels but also storytelling vessels. Each element—from the music and costumes to the decorations and rituals—serves to honour centuries of cultural evolution. The festival is a time when neighbours reconnect, generations collaborate, and the city celebrates its enduring identity.
Conclusion
Saki Matsuri captures the soul of Kyoto in its purest form. It is a beautiful blend of devotion, history, art, and festive joy. For anyone visiting Japan in July, witnessing the Saki Matsuri offers an unforgettable journey into one of the country’s most cherished cultural treasures.
Read More: www.gionfestival.org/yamaboko-floats/saki-matsuri/
Comments
Post a Comment