Obon Humboldt 2023

We held our first ever Humboldt Obon last year (2022) and it was incredibly fun and rewarding to bring this tradition to Humboldt. We could use some help bringing it back and expanding our offerings this year!

We are exciting to host the Buddhist priest to bless the Festival and share the stories and traditions of Obon, an altar to honor our ancestors, food vendors (Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine), children’s activities, music, Bon Dancing, and more.

HAPI (Humboldt Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity) is the organizing sponsor, but many people from the community have come together to plan Obon Humboldt.

Obon is a time in Japanese tradition when our ancestors come to earth to visit. It is a time to clean family graves, offer favorite foods, pray, and dance. Obon is comparable to Dia de los Muertos. There are weekly Bon Dances at the Buddhist churches and Shinto shrines. These dances bring all generations together. The young ones learn from their parents and grandparents, and they often add a little of their own dance steps, which is always fun!

Our goal for the 2023 Obon Festival GoFundMe campaign is $5,000. These funds will help pay for the rental of sound equipment and a stage, travel and lodging for Rev. Sakamoto (visiting Buddhist priest from San Jose), event permits, the ancestors’ altar, rental of portable toilets and hand-washing station, and supplies for the children’s activities.

All contributions to the Humboldt Obon Festival GoFundMe campaign are greatly appreciated! Domo arigato gozaimasu!!

See you at the 2023 Humboldt Obon Festival on Aug. 13th!!