Festivals & Events of Uonuma-shi

Setchu Hanamizu-iwai（雪中花水祝）：takes place in Horinouchi district on February 11. Bridegrooms are splashed with icy cold water, which is said to bring good lucks to the couples.

You tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3lBmvKNF8U

Jyuugoya Matsuri（十五夜まつり）is held in Horinouchi for three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday before Keiro-no-hi(Respect-for-the-aged day in September);tel025-794-2111

You tube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qUpzsuhERI

Shineribenten Tatakijizou Festival（しねり弁天・たたき地蔵祭り）：This festival is unique because men are allowed to pinch  women in the precinct of shrine, while the women are encouraged to slap the men on their backs.  What lies inside the shrine is a huge lingam represents child births, happy marriages, etc. Newly wed couples would get on the lingam and be taken to the streets.

You tube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1QYyHKo3S0