Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Submit & Vote
.svg)
Get ready to dance, eat delicious food, and honor ancestors at the vibrant Obon Festival - a celebration of life and culture.
Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and cultural Obon Festival on August 13! This annual Japanese holiday is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors through traditional dances, music, and food. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors return to visit their living relatives. The festival dates back over 500 years and has evolved into a celebration of unity, gratitude, and remembrance. So put on your yukata (summer kimono), grab some delicious street food, and join in on the lively festivities at the Obon Festival!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>500s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Obon Festival Origin</div><div class='timeline-text'>The tradition of the Obon Festival began in Japan, primarily as a Buddhist event to honor departed spirits of ancestors.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1600s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Bon Odori</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Bon Odori, a traditional dance, became a key part of the Obon Festival celebrations in the 17th Century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growth and Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the 19th Century, the Obon Festival had gained significant recognition and started being observed across all of Japan with local variants.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>20th Century</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Dissemination</div><div class='timeline-text'>With the Japanese diaspora in the 20th Century, the Obon Festival found its place in various parts of the world including Hawaii, Brazil, and parts of mainland U.S.A.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Recognition in U.S.A.</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Obon Festival increasingly gained recognition in America with large annual celebrations in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend an Obon festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>The best way to celebrate Obon is to attend a festival! Look for local events in your area and immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese culture, food, and dance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make a lantern</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In Japanese culture, lanterns are lit to guide the spirits of ancestors during Obon. Try making your own lantern using traditional materials like paper and bamboo, or get creative with modern materials like mason jars and fairy lights.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn traditional dances</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>At Obon festivals, people gather to dance traditional Bon Odori dances. Look up tutorials online or attend a dance workshop to learn these beautiful and meaningful dances.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare traditional Obon food</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Food is an important part of Obon celebrations. Try making traditional dishes like somen noodles, okonomiyaki, and ohagi, or put a modern twist on them to make them your own.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a family memorial altar</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Obon is a time to honor and remember ancestors. Set up a family memorial altar with photos and offerings of food and incense to pay tribute to your loved ones who have passed.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='' class='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time to honor and remember ancestors</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Obon Festival, also known as the Bon Festival, is a Japanese Buddhist custom dedicated to honoring the spirits of one's ancestors. It's a beautiful way to show gratitude and respect for those who came before us.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The festivities are full of culture and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>From traditional dances like bon odori to displaying decorations such as lanterns and altars, Obon Festival is rich in customs and practices that have been passed down for generations. Participating in these rituals can give insight into the history and culture of Japan.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id=''id= 'width why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id= ''class= 'whywelove-title'>It brings communities together</h3><p id= ''class= 'whywelove-text width'>Obon Festival is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and celebrate. People from all over gather for food, music, dancing, and other festive activities. It's a time to connect with others and strengthen relationships within the community.</p></div></div>
Obon Festival is celebrated on August 13 every year. In 2024 Obon Festival will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Aug 13
Sunday
2024
Aug 13
Tuesday
2025
Aug 13
Wednesday
2026
Aug 13
Thursday
2027
Aug 13
Friday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
