There is a special moment when Katsushi Horikawa feels closer to the gods. It comes as he rides on one of the tall floats, large carts pulled through the streets during the Gion Matsuri. This centuries-old festival in Kyoto, Japan, began more than 1,000 years ago as a ceremony to keep disease away. It takes place throughout the former capital during July. "I am conscious of them when I'm riding on top," Horikawa said.

The parades, accompanied by dances, music and song, draw large crowds every year, and the biggest floats can weigh up to 12 tons. A tradition of prayer and protection lies behind the lively atmosphere. "Those performances are not meant primarily for the entertainment of people," explained Fabio Rambelli, a religious studies professor. "They are offerings to the gods."

The festival also brings the community together. "This is the festival of all the people in the neighborhood," said Jacques Garrigues, a Frenchman who has lived in Kyoto for three decades. He watched the event with his son.

Some traditions have lasted for generations. One is the choice of a boy as a messenger to the gods, whose feet must never touch the ground during the parade. Neighborhoods prepare their floats with great care, trusting that they will drive away bad spirits. Atsushi Matono places the shingi, a holy tree, at the top of one float. Like Horikawa, he feels the gods are near. "I always carry out my work with great care and respect," he added.