Duplicate Link: 2024 JACL Olympia Bon Odori Celebration (Japanese Dance, Taiko Drumming and Refreshments) South Puget Sound Community CollegeNEW

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Olympia's Bon Odori, a secular adaptation of the traditional Japanese festival celebrating ancestors through dance and music, has returned. Organized by the Japanese-American Citizens’ League, the event fosters a sense of closure and togetherness, particularly poignant in light of recent losses experienced by many. Held at the South Puget Sound Community College campus, the festival maintains its core elements: traditional Japanese folk dances led by participants wearing colorful yukata, embodying a gentle and joyful atmosphere.

Bon Odori's significance lies in its representation of life's various aspects, from commemorating ancestors to celebrating recent memories. Despite its hiatus, the event preserves its essence, incorporating occasional new dances like a samba or an Electric Slide rendition. Alongside the dances, attendees enjoy taiko drumming, karate demonstrations, Okinawan drumming, and various food trucks, enriching the cultural experience.

The festival's intermittent occurrence, disrupted not only by the pandemic but also by volunteer shortages, prompts a reconsideration of its annual scheduling. With uncertainties looming, organizers are assessing the level of community support to determine its future frequency. As life unfolds with unprecedented challenges, the fate of Olympia's Bon Odori remains contingent upon sustained enthusiasm and engagement from its participants and volunteers.

Date
August 10, 2024, Saturday

Festival Time
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Bon Odori Dance Time
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm



Title
2018, Olympia Bon Odori Celebration (Performances of Taiko, Martial Arts, Food & Crafts for Sale) Illuminated Lantern Procession Around Lake
2023 Olympia Bon Odori Celebration (Performances of Taiko, Martial Arts, Food & Crafts) 

Location
South Puget Sound Community College, in front of Building 22, 2011 Mottman Road SW, Olympia