What is an Obon Festival?
The Obon Festival is a time for celebration in Japan. It’s also an opportunity to get together with friends and family members.
The tradition entails music, dance, and crafts as well as martial arts. It honors ancestral spirits from your past who have watched over you throughout life. The lighting of candles represents wishes fathered by these same energies during happier times gone by.
Entertainment will be offered with groups playing drums including taiko drumming groups.
Plenty of groups and cities participate in this cultural experience in the USA. Find an Obon Festival near you.
Downtown Denver – Cherry Blossom Festival – June 25 and 26.
Venice, CA Japanese Community Center – June 25.
Salt Lake City, UT – Salt Lake Buddhist Temple – July 9.
Fairfax, VA Ekoji Buddhist Temple – July 9.
Seabrook, NJ – Seabrook Buddhist Temple – July 16.
Pasadena, CA Buddhist Church – July 16.
Long Beach, CA. Cultural Center – July 30.
Portland, Oregon – Oregon Buddhist Temple – August 6.
Kingston, NY – Kingston Point Beach – August 6.
Palo Alto, CA Buddhist Temple – Aug. 7
Lahaina Hongwanji Mission – Lahaina, HI – Aug 12 and 13.
Gardena Buddhist Church – August 13.
Charlotte, NC – Wells Fargo Atrium Plaza – August – Dates TBA.
San Diego, CA – Japanese Friendship Garden – August – Dates TBA.
Las Vegas, NV – Location TBA, August – Date TBA
St. Paul MN – Como Park – August 21.
St. Louis, MO – Missouri Botanical Garden – Sept 3-5.
Atlanta, GA – Gas South Convention Center (Duluth) – September 17 and 18.
Dress for the occasion. Kimonos and Yukatas are very popular to wear to these festivals. The yukata is lighter weight and will help keep you cooler on those warmer days. Check out our wide selection of robes and headbands for your celebration. Shipping is always fast. Shop our ONLINE STORE now.
Search the web for more dates and cities near you. Buddhist temples and Japanese clubs and gardens may have more information in your local area.
The Shodo Yukata is available at www.chopa.com
Tags: kimono costume, kimonos, obon festival, yukatas
