2024 Obon Weekend at Morikami (Stroll the Gardens, Fill Out Tanzaku Slips, Launch a Lantern, Memory of Lost Loved Ones, Live Taiko..) 2 Days NEW

Morikami Obon Weekend 
We invite guests to take a contemplative stroll through the gardens, fill out tanzaku slips in memory of lost loved ones, enjoy live taiko drumming performances in the spirit of Obon, and pay their respects to George Morikami at the Bon altar.

Obon is a Japanese Buddhist holiday that honors the spirits of the ancestors.  It is celebrated during July and August around the 13th to the 15th of either month, depending on the lunar calendar.  Obon is a time to return home, visit family gravsites, enjoy dances, tell stories, and decorate familit altars.  Many communities will host locat festivals filled with people wearing yukata, playing games, eating food, and enjoying performances. 

The tributes held at Obon have two significances. One is to honor Budda and show respect for one's ancestors and others who have passed on.  The other is to express gratitude to all people to whom we are indebted, including people whoe are alive such as parents, relatives, and friends. 

Obon Festival Dates
August 10-11, 2024

Obon Weekend Schedule at Morikami

Saturday, August 10, 2024
• 11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Family Fun Day: Cicada Noisemaker, Location: Sakai Room, Cost: Free with paid admission
• 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm: Bon Dancing Workshop, Location: Morikami Terrace, Cost: Free for all attendees
• 3:50 pm - 4:20 pm: Bon Dance Performance, Location: Morikami Terrace, Cost: Free for all attendees
• Guiding Lights & Lantern at Home Kits, Available All Day, Location: Morikami Museum Lobby, Cost: $5 Guiding Lights | $8 Lantern at Home Kit

Sunday, August 11, 2024
• 11:30 am - 12:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm: Taiko Drumming Performance, Location: Morikami Theater
• 4:30 pm: The Large Lantern Floating, Location: Morikami Lake, Cost: Weather permitting
• Guiding Lights & Lantern at Home Kits, Available All Day, Location: Morikami Museum Lobby, Cost: $5 Guiding Lights | $8 Lantern at Home Kit

This schedule offers a detailed outline of the activities and performances planned for the Obon Weekend at Morikami, with opportunities to participate in traditional Japanese festivities.

Bon Dancing Workshop & Performance
Traditionally, Obon festivities include dancing where people join in a circle and dance to music.
Join in our Obon celebration…

Learn how to dance one of Japan’s traditional Bon dances, along with members of our staff, South Florida Japanese community members, and members of Fushu Daiko. After you learn the steps we will all dance together with music accompaniment by Fushu Daiko.

Date: Saturday, August 10 only
Cost: FREE for all attendees

Times
• 3:30 pm - 3:50 pm - Workshop to learn the Bon Dance
• 3:50 pm - 4:20 pm - Bon Dance Performance

Location: Morikami Terrace

Launch Lanterns Tickets

Hours & Admission

What is Obon?
During Obon, Japanese families welcome into their homes the spirits of their ancestors for a brief visit with the living. On the last night of Obon, these ancestors are believed to depart back to the otherworld, their journey illuminated by farewell fires. In many communities, these guiding lights take the form of simple paper lanterns floating on the water. In Japan, families who have lost loved ones in the past year float elaborately decorated boats to transport these spirits to the otherworld.


Obon Location
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL 33446

Obon Festival Tiitle
Obon Weekend at Morikami (Stroll the Gardens, Fill Out Tanzaku Slips (Memory of lLst Loved Ones) Live Taiko in the Spirit of Obon (2 Days)