HANAGASA JUNKO - 'Flowers parasol procession'

HANAGASA JUNKO is a procession held every 24th of July and it's part of the Gion Festival.

The word HANAGAS is composed of two words: HANA, 'flower' and KASA, 'parasol, umbrella or large straw hat'. The procession consist of large umbrellas and hats decorated with flowers. About 1,000 people participate in the parade, mainly women, children, MAIKO and GEIKO.

The procession starts at the YASAKA Shrine and end at the same place where each participant group perform a dance.

In the picture above, GEIKO performing an Odori, Japanese traditional dance, wearing bamboo-hats.

NOTE: The KIMONO they're wearing are the traditional MIKO's KIMONO.