Humboldt Obon- 5th annual

Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one's ancestors. Rinban Sakamoto, retired reverend for the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, will bless the Festival as he has for the past 4 years, and will share the stories and traditions of Obon. There will be an altar and ancestor tree to honor loved ones who have passed. Join in the Obon dancing, enjoy taiko drumming and live music, food vendors (Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine), artists, children’s activities, merch and more. Free to the public!
Please wear your kimonos, yukata or other Japanese-style outfits. We highly encourage getting dressed up for this cultural celebration.
Bon odori is the traditional folk dancing that is a part of the festival – more like circle dancing than line dancing. Craig Kurumada will be teaching these Japanese dances in preparation for the festival street dancing. Beginners are welcome — no previous experience necessary! Dance accessories will be provided. No partner or special shoes are needed.
Free weekly classes run July 5 through August 10 on Sundays (6-7:15 p.m.) and Mondays (7-8 p.m.), at Redwood Raks Collective, 824 L St., Arcata (next to The Pub). In addition, anyone can learn at home with these instructional videos by instructor/sensei Kurumada: https://sites.google.com/humboldt.edu/humboldt-obon-odori-dance-clas/home.
This year's poster artist: Annette Makino
Current sponsors: HAF/WRCF, Queer Humboldt, Tomo Arcata, Little Japan, Maverick and Hayward, Equity Arcata, Visual Concepts, Holly Yashi, The Pub, Access Humboldt