On the third of February, the official day of both saint and city, parish banner bearers flow into the city in folk costume for the centrepiece of the festival, a procession attended by bishops, ambassadors, civic leaders, visiting notables and the people of Dubrovnik.

UNESCO: Culture

And the Catholic church has enjoyed slightly more freedom, most notably in being allowed to take out a street procession for the festival of Cuba's patron saint, the Virgin of Charity, on September 8th, for the first time in 38 years.

ECONOMIST: Cuba

On July 17 every year, the Gion Festival in Kyoto in central Japan culminates in a grand procession of yamahoko, floats known as 'moving museums' because of their elaborate decoration with tapestries and wooden and metal ornaments.

UNESCO: Culture

This year's 10-day festival began on 31 August and included events such as street theatre, musical performances and a city procession.

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