Arcata’s Creamery District (Front of the Arcata Playhouse)

The Humboldt Obon Festival is a cultural event organized by Asian and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (APIS) in the Humboldt County region. The festival takes its inspiration from the traditional Japanese Obon festival, which is a time to honor and remember ancestors and celebrate their spirits.

The Humboldt Obon Festival is a celebration that brings together people from various Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds, as well as individuals from the wider community who are interested in experiencing and learning about different cultures. It is a vibrant and inclusive event that promotes unity, understanding, and appreciation of the diverse traditions within the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

During the festival, you can expect a range of activities and performances that showcase the cultural heritage of different Asian and Pacific Islander groups. These may include traditional dances, music performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural exhibitions, and arts and crafts displays. There are also often food stalls serving a variety of delicious Asian and Pacific Islander cuisines.

One of the highlights of the Humboldt Obon Festival is the traditional Bon Odori dance. This dance involves participants wearing colorful yukatas (summer kimonos) and forming circles or lines as they perform rhythmic dance movements to the beat of traditional music. The Bon Odori dance is open to everyone, and both experienced dancers and beginners are encouraged to participate and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Overall, the Humboldt Obon Festival organized by Asian and Pacific Islanders in Solidarity is a wonderful cultural event that promotes diversity, community engagement, and cross-cultural understanding. It is a joyous celebration that invites people of all backgrounds to come together, learn from one another, and appreciate the rich traditions of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in the Humboldt County region.