Kanamara Matsuri
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Every spring, the streets of Kawasaki, Japan, come alive with laughter, color, and a bit of cheeky humor during the Kanamara Matsuri, also known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus.” Held on the first Sunday of April, this one-of-a-kind celebration is a joyful ode to fertility, marital harmony, and even blacksmithing! Expect parades featuring elaborately decorated mikoshi (portable shrines), candy and crafts shaped like—you guessed it—phallic symbols, and a lively crowd that knows how to celebrate tradition with a playful twist.
The Kanamara Matsuri also has a heart of gold. This festival raises funds for HIV research while honoring ancient Shinto beliefs. From the iconic “Elizabeth Mikoshi” (a fabulous pink shrine donated by a crossdressing club) to the glowing black iron phallus of the “Kanayama Boat Mikoshi,” there’s no shortage of Instagram-worthy moments. Whether you come for the unique souvenirs, the sense of humor, or the cultural experience, one thing is certain—you’ll leave with stories to tell and memories that are anything but ordinary!
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