The undisputed highlight of Kyoto's Gion Matsuri is the Yamaboko Junko, a spectacular grand procession of massive floats held on July 17 (the Saki-matsuri) and a smaller one on July 24 (the Ato-matsuri). These "moving museums" are divided into two types: the towering Hoko floats, which can weigh up to 12 tons and stand 25 meters tall, and the smaller Yama floats. The most iconic moment occurs at major street corners where the massive, wheel-less floats must be turned 90 degrees in a move called Tsujimawashi; crews place bamboo slats under the wheels and splash them with water to slide the heavy structures around by hand. Another key highlight is the Yoiyama evenings leading up to the parade, when the floats are illuminated by lanterns and the streets become a massive festival zone filled with food stalls and traditional music (Gion-bayashi). The entire month-long event is a Shinto ritual dedicated to the Yasaka Shrine to pray for protection against plagues and natural disasters.