also: きつれい
noun
festive annual custom; auspicious tradition
Refers to a traditional event or custom that is considered auspicious and is observed annually, often in a festive context.
この神社の祭りは、古くからの吉例として毎年行われている。
This shrine's festival is held every year as an auspicious tradition from long ago.
年中行事 is a general term for annual events, while 吉例 specifically emphasizes the auspicious or festive nature of the custom.
Compound of 吉 (good luck, auspicious) and 例 (custom, precedent). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used to denote auspicious annual traditions.