Obon 2024
Obon is the Japanese Buddhist festival to honor the spirits of ancestors and is August 13-15, 2024. This three day celebration is a time for families to gather, eat, dance, and honor their relatives.
On the first day of Obon, people often visit their hometowns to see their family. They clean ancestral graves and decorate them with flowers and lanterns in order to guide the spirits of their deceased family back home. It is also common to donate fruit, candles, incense, and other gifts to altars in temples or display them at home.
On the third and final day of Obon, ancestors return back to the spirit world and large gatherings are held to wish them farewell. Across Japan, people celebrate with street food stalls, fireworks, taiko drumming, and regional songs. Dances are held in parks and temples, with performers wearing yukata and geta.
Obon is celebrated in Japanese communities throughout the United States, including in San Jose. The San Jose Obon Festival is held annually in July, and offers a variety of food stalls, performances, games, and opportunities for community celebration.
Take some time to celebrate Obon this week: