2019 - Annual Bon Odori Dance (Saturday) Buddhist Church of Sacramento (Note: 2-Day Annual Cultural & Food Bazaar is in August - See Links Below)Newly Listed

Obon. The word 'Matsuri' or 'Festival' literally means worshipping gods or ancestral spirits. Festivals were usually annual events to bless the cultivation of rice and the health of the community. In order to enliven the celebrations, there were performances of traditional dances and musical instruments.

Obon is a Japanese Buddhist festival usually held in mid-July or August for a week and is a time when the souls of dead ancestors are supposed to return home for three days. In particular, prayers are said for anyone who has died in the previous year as it is believed that they need more guidance to find their way. The festival has been held since the 7th century although many of the events have changed and it is one of the most significant and enjoyable of the Japanese festivals. It goes by a variety of names, the most popular of which is "The Festival or Feast of the Dead".

While it is not a public holiday, many Japanese who work in the city visit their birthplace at this time every year to clean the gravesites of their ancestors. Others clean Buddhist altars in their home although fewer people have these. Many years ago, Obon and the holiday on January 15th were the only days servants and workers were released to return to their homes.

Vegetables, fruits and rice wine are left out for the spirits to eat. Flowers decorate the graves or altar and incense is burned. This is the time for the living to show their respect to their ancestors. But it is not just the spirits who are given food and drink!

Obon Bon Odori Dates
July 13, 2019, Saturday

Bon Odori Time
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Festival Parking
Parking available at city lot underneath Highway 50 at 8th and X Street for a flat rate. Courtesy shuttle available or short 10 minute walk.

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Upcoming Schedule: Practice, Obon, Bazaar  
1) See all Obon Bon Odori Practices in June
Practice time: 7:00-8:00 pm, last night runs a little longer.
Concessions available during Obon Practices and on Obon Night. Small group of Taiko players on (final practice) and on Obon Night itself.

2) Annual Obon Bon Odori Festival in July - separate from the 2-day Bazaar
July 13, 2019 - Saturday at 7:00 pm: Bon Odori 
July 14, 2019 - Sunday at 9:30 am: Obon/Hatsubon Service

3) Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar is in (2 Days) August 

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Sacramento Obon Bon Odori, Bazaar Festival Dates 
All Sacramento Obon, Bazaar & Practices Dates 

Obon Festivals & Practices 
All Obon Festivals  All Obon Practices 

See Japanese Event Festivals  
All Japanese Festivals Events

Map of Japanese Festivals 
See Map Japanese Festivals

Celebrate the Japanese Culture food, performances and dancing.
(Please always confirm date & times, the schedule could change)

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Obon Bon Odori Festival Location
Buddhist Church of Sacramento Obon Odori Festival, 2401 Riverside Blvd., Sacramento, CA 9581

Obon Bon Odori Title
2019 - Annual Bon Odori Dance (Saturday) Buddhist Church of Sacramento (Note: 2-Day Annual Cultural & Food Bazaar is in August)