The largest festival in Japan, Gion Matsuri, lasts the entire month but has some days that are more special than others. On the 17th of July is the parade were the floats that have been set up around Kyoto travel the streets. The festival dating back over 1,100 years started as a way to fend off evil spirits during an epidemic. Years later all religious ceremonies were outlawed but the people of Kyoto petitioned that while the religious ceremony could be ended they needed to continue the parade.
There are 22 floats that have meanings of their own and date back for many years. Some of the floats have wheels the size of men. One boy is chosen to represent a deity and is not allowed to touch the ground from the 14th to the end of the parade on the 17th.
During the festival time of Gion Matsuri is another tradition "Folding of the Silk Screens" when residents of the well off historical district will open their homes for people to see their family herlooms and art work. A time for people to see traditional Japanese homes and collections.
Links:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/attractions/event/traditionalevents/a34_fes_gion.html