24 Jul OBON WEEKEND CELEBRATION AT MORIKAMI MUSEUM AND JAPANESE GARDENS
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will host its annual Obon Weekend on August 10-11, from 10am to 5pm. Obon is a traditional Japanese festival and holiday observed to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors, who are believed to return home for a short time to visit their living relatives.
Bon Alter and Memory Slips
During Obon Weekend, museum visitors are invited to fill out paper slips in memory of lost loved ones. Guests can also pay their respects to founder George Morikami’s bon altar on display in the Kamiya Room, next to the Membership desk.
Taiko Drumming
Experience the ancient art of taiko drumming. Fushu Daiko will perform live drumming performances in the Morikami Theater on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm (Sunday only). Taiko performances are $5 for members; $10 for non-members with paid museum admission. Purchase tickets at morikami.org/event/obon-weekend.
Bon Dancing Workshop and Performance
On Saturday, learn the ancestral art of Bon Odori with Fushu Daiko on the museum’s lakefront terrace. Also known as the Bon dance, this festive folk dance is performed in a circle and honors the deceased relatives and ancestors. Afterward, participants will participate in a Bon dance performance to live music by Fushu Daiko. Bon dance workshop is from 3:30-3:50pm; Bon dance performance is from 3:50-4:20pm. Free.
Guiding Lights
In honor of Obon, guests can light up private celebrations and welcome home beloved ancestors’ spirits with a colorful Guiding Light Lantern ($5 each). Available for purchase in the Morikami Museum Lobby.
Obon Weekend admission is $16 for adults; $10 for children; and free for museum members.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
