See Photos From Japan’s Annual Man-Hood (Penis) Festival

People flock to Kawasaki, Japan every spring to celebrate Kanamara Matsuri, aka the “Festival of the Steel Phallus.” This year, on April 6, the festival was a celebration of the man-hood

People parade gigantic phallic-shaped mikoshi (portable Shinto shrines) down the streets during the event, as revelers suck on man-hood lollipops, buy man-hood-themed memorabilia and pose with sculptures in the shape of — you guessed it — penises. 

According to the BBC, the festival is believed to have roots in the 17th century, when prostitutes are said to have prayed for protection from sexually transmitted infections at Kawasaki’s Kanamara shrine. Today, the festival reportedly raises awareness about safe s*x practices and fundraises for HIV prevention.