Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Japan
Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Japan is held on July 17. 祇園祭 is one of the most famous festivals. It lasts all of July and ends with the Yamaboko Junkō parade on July 17 and 24. Initially, it was dedicated to fighting the plague in 869. This event in the second decade of the month July is annual. 
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Every year, as per tradition, a local boy is chosen as a sacred messenger to the gods. From July 13 until the first parade ends on July 17, he sits on one of the many elaborate floats and his feet never touch the ground.
One of the main reasons the Gion Matsuri is so impressive is the enormity of the hoko, which are up to 25 meters tall, weigh up to 12 tons, and are pulled on wheels as big as people. The word Yamaboko refers to the two types of floats used in the procession: the 23 yama and 10 hoko. Both yama and hoko are elaborately decorated and represent unique themes. The procession on July 17 features 23 yama and hoko, including most of the particularly impressive hoko, while the procession on July 24 features the remaining ten yama and hoko.
Similar holidays and events, festivals and interesting facts
Ashura on July 16 (is a major festival for Shia Muslims and commemorates the martyrdom at Karbala of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet);
Beginning of Vassa on July 20 (First waning moon, 8th Thai lunar month);
Asalha Puja on July 21
One Piece Day on July 22
Letter Writing Day in Japan on July 23 (The Letter Writing Day can be a bit confusing... as we found on numerous sites that this 'holiday' falls on 7th of December, then again on the official World Letter Writing Day page the date is 1st of September, and Japan issues LWD stamps each year, for over two decades now, on 23rd of July. In any case, its a nice way of reminding people of the existence of letters);
Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, Japan on July 25 (colorful festival);
Yurei no Hi in Japan on July 26
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