A digression from our classic communications, we wanted to tell you about an essential Japanese tradition: the Matsuri. These famous festivals combine lively music, ancestral customs and traditional beliefs. They take place all year round, but it's during the summer season that they're at their most enjoyable.

If you're lucky enough to have planned a trip to Japan this summer, or if it's still a dream come true, the Matsuri are a must! After defining the concept, we'll take a look at five of the most spectacular.

Matsuri are rooted in Shinto and Buddhist traditions, and the atmosphere that surrounds them varies according to the pretext. Where some have as their theme significant historical events, legendary figures or famous battles, others have as their subject nature or honor the cycle of the seasons. Over time, popular culture has become an integral part of Matsuri. Parades of ornate floats, music and dance have been added to the festivities. Through shared activities, games and gatherings around the Yatai, the food stalls, the Matsuri bring communities together, reinforcing the sense of belonging.

Gion Matsuri, in Kyoto
With origins dating back to the year 869, Gion Matsuri is certainly one of the oldest in the country. A celebration originally dedicated to appeasing the gods when an epidemic was raging in the region. Throughout July, numerous processions of beautifully decorated floats take to the streets. Tradition dictates that a local boy is chosen to assume the role of sacred messenger of the gods. The chosen one sits impassively on one of the many floats, his feet never touching the ground for several days.Tenjin Masturi, Osaka
This thousand-year-old event honors Tenman Tenjin, the god of learning and the arts. Held every year on July 24 and 25 near the Ōsaka Tenman Gu shrine, it features over 3,000 performers in traditional costumes. You can watch the processions of mikoshi, the shrines that the faithful carry on their shoulders. But it's on the water that the spectacle is incredible, with a parade of around a hundred boats illuminated by lantern lights. At nightfall, the processions bring the festive days to a close.Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo
Celebrated on May 8 and 15 of odd-numbered years, Kanda Matsuri takes place mainly in the Kanda district and central districts of Tokyo. It's an exciting event with many activities. There are float parades, dances, musicians and, above all, a spectacular coming and going of over 200 mikoshi, the traditional Shinto shrine. Initiated in the 17th century to commemorate Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu's victory at Sekigahara, it symbolizes the prosperity of his shogunate. It honors the Kanda-myojin, a Shinto shrine of great importance to warriors, since it was here that Tokugawa Ieyasu visited.Nebuta Matsuri, Aomori
Held from August 2 to 7, it welcomes over 3 million visitors who come to admire impressive papier-mâché giants representing gods, legendary characters, local celebrities and even kabuki actors! The huge, magnificently illuminated floats parade in procession, one after the other. Spectators are invited to join in the parade and dance, before ending the evening with an incredible fireworks display that can last for over two hours.Tanabata Matsuri, in Sendaï
Tanabata celebrates the impossible love story of two star-crossed lovers, the weaving princess Orihime and the herdsman Hikoboshi. One day, when the two lovers were more occupied with trifles than with their work, Hikoboshi's oxen escaped from their pen, spreading indescribable chaos across the sky. The gods' punishment was swift: they separated them by a wide river, condemning them to see each other only once a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month, the night of Tanabata.
This legend, akin to sky-watching, symbolizes the meeting of the stars Altair (the Princess) and Vega (the Cowherd), two stars that are separated all year round by the Milky Way and come together just once a year, on the night of July 7. Tanabata Matsuri takes place all over Japan, but Sendai's is the most spectacular. To set it apart, it's moved up a month and takes place on August 7. The city is decked out in huge, colorful cylindrical banners. Locals put on their best kimonos and crowd along the Hirose River to watch the fireworks. It's certainly one of the most beautiful occasions of the year to make a lovers' vow, under a starry sky.

If you're lucky enough to be in Japan in summer, remember to reserve your seats in advance - the best spots are in high demand!