The origins of the festival can be traced back to the 17th century when a local prostitute, suffering from a sexually transmitted infection, prayed at the Kanayama Shrine for a cure. Her prayer was answered, and in gratitude, she donated a wooden phallus to the shrine. This phallus, which can still be seen at the shrine today, is believed to have healing powers for those suffering from STIs.

Over time, the festival has evolved to become a celebration of fertility, sexuality, and the power of the phallus. Today, Kanamara Matsuri is a popular event that is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

The festival begins with a traditional Shinto ceremony at the Kanayama Shrine, where participants offer prayers for fertility, safe childbirth, and a happy marriage. The main event of the festival is the parade, which features the giant, pink, steel phallus, as well as smaller phalluses of many sizes and colors.
Participants carry the phalluses through the streets of Kawasaki, accompanied by traditional Japanese music and dance.

In addition to the parade, there are also several other activities and events taking place throughout the festival. These include food and craft vendors, live performances, and traditional Japanese games and competitions.

One of the most popular activities is the mawashi, a traditional Japanese loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers. Participants can rent a mawashi and join the parade, carrying a phallus and dancing through the streets.

Another popular activity is the "phallus smashing," in which participants use a wooden hammer to break open a small, symbolic mochi (sweet rice cake) in the shape of a phallus. This activity is said to bring good luck and fertility.

Kanamara Matsuri is not only a celebration of fertility and sexuality, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of sexual health and the acceptance of diverse sexual identities. The festival is a safe and inclusive space where people can come together to celebrate and learn about distinct aspects of sexuality.

In recent years, the festival has also become a platform for raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS prevention and research. Many of the vendors and organizations at the festival are focused on promoting sexual health and education.

Kanamara Matsuri is a unique and colorful festival that offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese culture and celebrates the power of the phallus. It is a must-see event for anyone interested in learning more about Japanese culture and is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you are visiting Kawasaki for the first time or are a seasoned traveler, 

 is a festival that should not be missed.

The festival is held every first Sunday of April each year and it is a family-friendly event. It is also a perfect opportunity for travelers to experience the traditional culture of Japan, as well as to learn more about the importance of sexual health and acceptance of diverse sexual identities.

, also known as the "Festival of the Steel Phallus" is an annual event held in Kawasaki, Japan that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world. The festival is centered around a giant, pink, steel phallus, which is paraded through the streets of Kawasaki and is believed to bring good luck and fertility to those who participate.

Kanamara Matsuri Festival

The Origins of the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival

The Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival has its roots in a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. According to local legend, the monkeys of Lopburi were once revered as sacred creatures, and the people of the city would offer them food and other gifts to ensure good fortune and blessings. Over time, this tradition evolved into the annual monkey buffet that is held today.

The first official Monkey Buffet Festival was held in 1989 by the local merchants in Lopburi. The festival is held to thank the monkeys for bringing good luck to the city, as well as to attract tourists to the area. The festival is held on the last Sunday of November every year.

What to Expect at the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival

The highlight of the Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival is the grand buffet that is laid out for the monkeys. The buffet is typically held in the central square of the city, and it is a remarkable sight. The buffet table is covered in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and other foods that the monkeys love, including sweet potatoes, bananas, and pineapples. The monkeys are free to come and go as they please, and they can be seen climbing on the tables, snatching up food, and enjoying the feast.

Apart from the buffet, the festival also features a variety of other activities and events that are designed to entertain and educate visitors. There are traditional Thai dances and music performances, as well as a parade featuring the monkeys dressed in traditional Thai costumes. Visitors can also take part in monkey-related activities like monkey feeding and monkey watching.

Some other things that visitors can expect to see at the festival include:

Getting to Lopburi and Preparing for the Festival

The best way to get to Lopburi is by taking a train from Bangkok. The journey takes about two hours, and trains depart from Bangkok's Hualamphong Station several times a day. Visitors can also take a bus from Bangkok, which takes about the same amount of time.

The Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival is a popular event, and it can get quite crowded. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the weather can be quite hot. It is also a clever idea to bring a camera to capture the monkeys and other sights of the festival.

The festival is held in Lopburi province, which is in the central region of Thailand, around 150km north of Bangkok. It is quite easy to reach by train or bus.

The Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival is a unique and exciting event that offers visitors a chance to experience Thai culture and learn about the significant role that monkeys play in the country's history and traditions. 

The highlight of the festival is the grand buffet that is laid out for the monkeys, but there are also many other activities and events that are designed to entertain and educate visitors. Whether you're a monkey lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun and unique way to experience Thai culture, the 

 Festival is an annual event held in the city of Lopburi, Thailand, which celebrates the macaque monkeys that call the city home. These primates, also known as crab-eating macaques, have become a symbol of Lopburi and are a major tourist attraction. The festival, which typically takes place in November, is a unique and exciting way to experience Thai culture and learn about the key role that monkeys play in the country's history and traditions.

Lopburi Monkey Buffet Festival

, has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years.

The festival is believed to have originated in the southern part of China, where it was first celebrated to honor the poet and minister Qu Yuan. Qu Yuan was a loyal servant of the Chu kingdom during the Warring States period. When he saw his country being invaded by the Qin army, he committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River.

Legend has it that the local people who admired him raced out in boats to try to save him or at least retrieve his body. Since then, the people of China have held annual dragon boat races in his honor on the anniversary of his death, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar.

Customs and Traditions of the Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated in various ways throughout China. Some of the most common customs and traditions include:

: This is the most popular activity during the festival. Dragon boats are long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads and tails. Each boat is manned by a team of rowers who race against other boats in the same category. The winner is the first team to reach the finish line.

: Zongzi is a traditional Chinese food made from glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves. It is typically eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival and comes in many different varieties, such as sweet, savory, and vegetarian.

: Realgar wine, made from Chinese herbal medicine and rice wine, is believed to ward off evil spirits and insects. It is traditionally consumed during the festival.

: Calamus and artemisia are two types of plants that are believed to repel insects and have medicinal properties. They are often hung in doorways or windows during the festival.

The Dragon Boat Festival has significant cultural and historical significance in China. The festival is a time for the Chinese people to come together and celebrate their traditions and heritage.

It is also a time to honor Qu Yuan and other historical figures who have contributed to Chinese culture and history. Additionally, the festival symbolizes the Chinese people's spirit of perseverance and unity in the face of adversity.

The Dragon Boat Festival is a cultural celebration that has been cherished by the Chinese people for over two thousand years. The festival is celebrated through various customs and traditions, such as dragon boat racing, eating zongzi, drinking realgar wine, and hanging calamus and artemisia.

It holds significant cultural and historical significance and is a time for the Chinese people to come together to celebrate their traditions and heritage. Whether you are in China or abroad, the 

 is a festival that you should experience at least once in your lifetime.

China is a country rich in culture and tradition. Among the many festivals celebrated in the country, the 

 is one of the most popular. It is a unique cultural celebration that takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls in June.

Dragon Boat Festival

One of the main draws of the festival is the mud itself, which is said to have skin-beautifying properties thanks to its high mineral content. Visitors can participate in a variety of mud-themed activities, such as mud slides, mud wrestling, and even a mud marathon. The mud is also used in skincare treatments and products that are available for purchase at the festival.

Another highlight of the festival is the wide range of performances and shows that take place throughout the event. There are live music performances, dance and acrobatics shows, and even fireworks display. The festival also features a wide selection of food and drink vendors, offering everything from traditional Korean cuisine to international food options.

The festival is not only a fun and entertaining experience, but it is also an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Boryeong and South Korea. The festival takes place on Daecheon Beach, which is known for its beautiful white sandy beach, clear blue waters and great waves that are perfect for surfing.

"Mud Experience Land" is a section of the festival that provides visitors with a hands-on understanding of the benefits and uses of the mud. Visitors can try out different mud-based skincare products, learn about the history of the mud, and even take part in mud-themed workshops.

The Boryeong Mud Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and make friends from all over the world. The festival attracts visitors from all over the globe, creating a diverse and international atmosphere.

The Boryeong Mud Festival is held annually in July, and it is a family-friendly event. With a variety of activities and entertainment options, it is a must-see event for anyone visiting South Korea. If you're looking for a fun and unique festival experience, don't miss the Boryeong Mud Festival.

 is a one-of-a-kind event that offers a fun and unique experience for visitors. With its combination of mud-themed activities, performances, and skincare options, it's a wonderful way to learn about the history and culture of Boryeong and South Korea. It is also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, make friends and enjoy a wonderful time at the beach.

If you're looking for a unique and exciting festival experience, look no further than the 

 in South Korea. Held annually in the city of Boryeong, this festival features a variety of fun and entertaining activities that are sure to leave an impression. From mud slides and mud wrestling to mud skincare and mud-themed performances, there's something for everyone at the Boryeong Mud Festival.

Boryeong Mud Festival

The Esala Perahera has a rich history that dates to the fourth century AD. The festival is believed to have originated when the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka from India. The tooth relic was said to have been brought to the island by Princess Hemamali, who was the daughter of King Guhasiva of Kalinga, India. She concealed the tooth relic in her hair bun and brought it to Sri Lanka to protect it from being seized by invading armies.

The tooth relic was initially housed in various temples in the island, but it was eventually brought to the city of Kandy, where it was placed in the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa). The temple was built to house the relic, and it has been a sacred site for Buddhists ever since. The Esala Perahera festival was first held in the fourth century AD to celebrate the arrival of the tooth relic in Sri Lanka, and it has been held annually ever since.

The Esala Perahera is a grand and colorful festival that features a spectacular procession that winds its way through the streets of Kandy. The procession is led by the Maligawa Tusker, a majestic elephant that is adorned with colorful decorations and carries the casket containing the tooth relic. The casket is carried on the back of the elephant, and it is surrounded by a group of drummers, dancers, and other performers.

The procession also includes a few other elephants, dressed in colorful costumes, and adorned with lights. The elephants are accompanied by traditional drummers and dancers, who perform a variety of traditional dances and drumming routines. The procession also includes several other performers, such as stilt walkers, fire-breathers, and acrobats.

The procession is also accompanied by a few other traditional arts and crafts, such as the Kandy martial arts, traditional Kandyan dancers and the traditional firewalking ceremony. The procession is also accompanied by many people, who come to watch the festival and to pay their respects to the tooth relic.

 festival is the Kumbal Perahera, which is also known as the "water cutting ceremony". This ceremony is held on the full moon day of the Esala month, and it is a spectacular event that is attended by thousands of people. During the ceremony, a traditional oil lamp is lit and carried to the Mahaweli River, where it is used to light many other oil lamps that are floating on the river.

The ceremony is accompanied by a few traditional rituals, such as the lighting of traditional oil lamps, the offering of flowers and other offerings to the tooth relic, and the chanting of traditional prayers and hymns.

 is one of the most spectacular and grand festivals in Sri Lanka, celebrated annually in the city of Kandy. The festival is a celebration of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed in the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy. The festival is also a celebration of Sri Lankan culture and heritage and is an event that draws thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

Esala Perahera in Kandy

 has been celebrated in Chiang Mai for over seven hundred years. It is believed to have originated to honor the Lord Buddha and to make offerings to him. The festival is based on the ancient Buddhist tradition of lighting lanterns and releasing them into the sky as a symbol of letting go of negative thoughts and emotions.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is now a major event in Chiang Mai, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. The festival takes place over three days and includes a variety of activities, including a parade of lantern-carrying monks, traditional Thai dance performances, and the release of thousands of lanterns into the sky.

The highlight of the festival is the release of the lanterns, which takes place on the full moon night of the second month of the Lanna lunar calendar (which is November). The lanterns are made of paper and are lit by small candles. They are launched into the sky by thousands of people, creating a beautiful and serene scene of flickering lights in the night sky.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a unique and unforgettable experience. Visitors can expect to see a parade of lantern-carrying monks, traditional Thai dance performances, and a colorful market selling traditional Thai crafts and food.

The release of the lanterns is the main event of the festival, and it is an unforgettable sight. As the lanterns are released into the sky, the air is filled with the warm glow of the lanterns and the sound of people's wishes and prayers being sent up to the heavens.

The Yi Peng Lantern Festival is a public event, and anyone can participate in the release of the lanterns. Lanterns can be purchased at the market or at designated locations around the city. They are typically made of paper and are lit by small candles.

It is important to be mindful of safety when participating in the festival. It is recommended to keep the lanterns at a safe distance from buildings and power lines and to be aware of the wind direction.

The lanterns that are released during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival hold great significance for the people of Thailand. They are believed to symbolize the release of negative thoughts and emotions, as well as the letting go of old habits and grudges. This act of releasing the lanterns is seen to purify the mind and to start anew.

The lanterns also symbolize the unity and harmony of the community. As the lanterns are released into the sky, people come together to participate in this shared experience, regardless of their background or beliefs.

The release of thousands of lanterns into the sky during the Yi Peng Lantern Festival has raised concerns about the environmental impact of the event. The lanterns are made of paper, which can be harmful to wildlife and the environment if not disposed of properly.

To address these concerns, many organizations in Chiang Mai have begun promoting the use of eco-friendly lanterns made of rice paper or biodegradable materials. Additionally, there are efforts to ensure that the lanterns are properly collected and disposed of after the festival.

 is a spectacular celebration of light and culture that takes place in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This festival has been celebrated for over 700 years and is based on the ancient Buddhist tradition of lighting lanterns and releasing them into the sky. The festival includes a parade of lantern-carrying monks, traditional Thai dance performances, and the release of thousands of lanterns into the sky.

, also known as the "Festival of Lights," is an annual event that takes place in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This festival is a beautiful celebration of Thai culture, and it is a must-see for anyone visiting the country during the month of November.

Upcomming events and festivals in Asia

Past events and festivals in Asia