A matsuri is a festival or holiday in Japan.
Usually they are connected to some shrine, but there are secular ones also. The experience varies, as they always have a local flavour: there can be solemn processions, food stalls lining the streets, music and dance performances…
Today is one of the three big matsuri in Kyoto, a long procession through the northern part of the city. And I’m planning to watch – I have to be off soon…