MORUMOTTO / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
The festival of the steel phallus , or Kanamara Matsuri , takes place in Kawasaki , Japan every April .
TO CELEBRATE
PAUL PRESCOTT / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
KANAMARA MATSURI , KAWASAKI , JAPAN Well known for its quirkiness , travelers may be unsurprised to learn that Japan plays host to the annual Kanamara Matsuri festival — aka , the festival of the steel phallus . That ’ s right , those who visit Kawasaki on the first Sunday in April can expect to find a bounty of penis-shaped statues , gifts and other various paraphernalia as residents celebrate reproductive health and fertility . The collection of phalluses is also said to ward off STIs , which begs the question , is there anything more romantic than a clean bill of health ?
Whether they have babies on their minds or just want to experience the obscure celebration for themselves , travelers will find that they aren ’ t the only foreigners in the crowd as Kanamara Matsuri attracts plenty of tourists each year . Visitors can enjoy penis-shaped snacks , admire festivalgoers in colorful costumes , pray for fertility and good fortune at one of the three shrines or snap a picture next to the famed pink phallic statue .
WIFE CARRYING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS , SONKAJARVI , FINLAND Couples looking to test their relationship can take their love to the next level when they compete in Finland ’ s Wife Carrying World Championships . A yearly affair , this wild competition follows husband and wife duos from around the globe as they attempt to conquer a 250-meter course — including a one-meter deep pool — dotted with various obstacles . And to top it off , there ’ s a catch : all husbands must carry their wives on their backs in one of three ways — piggyback , over the shoulder or Estonian-style .
Considered one of the seven most bizarre ‘ feats of strength ’ events in the world , the Wife Carrying Championship has amassed quite the fanbase since its beginning in 1992 . After all , nothing says , “ I love you ,” like taking home the gold .
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