Obon – Honoring the Spirits of the Ancestors

Obon is a time for remembering and honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude for their influence, and strengthening family bonds. It’s a significant cultural and religious event for many Japanese people.  It has been celebrated in Japan for over 500 years. Today the exact dates of Obon can vary by region, but it often falls in mid-August. It’s believed that during Obon, the spirits of the deceased return to visit their families. Lanterns are used to guide the spirits and on the 3rd day lanterns are floated down a river to symbolize the way of the souls back to the world of the dead.

ABQ BioPark and Albuquerque Sister Cities Foundation will celebrate Obon in the Sasebo Japanese Garden August 15th. Gates open at 6:30 pm and last entry is 8 pm. Bushido Kenkyukai dojo will lead a procession through the garden starting at 7pm. At 8pm Bushido Kenkyukai Taiko will perform on the pond deck.

Please contact the ABQ BioPark for event info and tickets.