Obon Festival

Obon will return this year at San Fernando Japanese American Community Center. It will be held on Saturday, June 29th and Sunday, June 30th.

Dancers of all ages in colorful kimono and happi coats perform traditional Japanese folk dances celebrating the Buddhist “Festival of Joy,” which started centuries ago as a religious custom to remember and express gratitude to deceased loved ones. All attendees are encouraged to join the simple and fun dances, led by teachers and the sound of rhythmic music.

Attendees can participate in the tradition of Japanese Obon Odori dancing and enjoy other cultural and ethnic experiences such as taiko drum performances, Japanese calligraphy and doll exhibits, and a variety of tasty ethnic foods.

Highlighting the festival are ethnic Japanese and American foods for sale, including chicken teriyaki, udon noodles, sushi, spam musubi, refreshing shave ice, delicious baked goods, and many other delectable items.

Enjoy family carnival games and prizes, enter our raffle, and cool off in our Bingo Hall with its Buddhist bookstore and flea market for Japanese goods and apparel.

Obon Festival
June 29-30, 2024

Obon Festival Hours
Saturday, June 29th from 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Sunday, June 30th from 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Bon Odori Dancing
TBD

Obon Dance Practices

  • Sunday, 6/9 – After Service
  • Tuesday, 6/25 – 6:30 pm
  • Thursday, 6/27 – 6:30 pm

The special session on Sunday, June 9 is for learning the new Lantern Song dance created and taught by the musicians from Bombu Stories.

Bring kachi kachi, tenugui (towel), and uchiwa (round fan). No prior dancing experience required. Please join us, we will see you then!

You are welcome to attend additional obon practices at the Valley Japanese Community Center on June 4, 7, 11, 14, 18 at 6:30pm.

Community Center Demonstrations
Obon Festival now features demonstrations by SFV Japanese American Community Center Clubs. Visit the gym and dojo to watch our talented community perform, and then head to the yagura for taiko and obon dancing.

Admission
Free

Festival Location
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center, 12953 Branford Street, Pacoima, CA 91331

Parking is available on the surrounding streets. Pets are not allowed due to health regulations.

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