Arriving at the Obon Festival, I knew nothing more then there would be food and some type of entertainment. Saturday August 1, 2009, was the Oregon Buddhist Temples, Obon Festival. Research would later reveal that most major cities, including Portland, San Jose, Upper Deerfield, San Francisco, Chicago, and many others across the United States have some type of local Obon Festival between the months of July and October. In Japanese culture, the Obon Festival is a very significant celebration. People believe that during the Festival, deceased relatives’ spirits return home to be reunited with their family. Prior to the festival, many traditional Buddhist families clean their homes and set out baskets of fruits and vegetables, as offerings to the spirits. Additionally, flowers and incense are offered to loved ones that have passed.
The Festival grounds were decorated with White and Red Toro Nagashi, simply known as paper lanterns. The white lanterns are in honor of loved ones that have passed, and the red lanterns recognize living family and friends. The lanterns were just the start of the cultural views that offered a feast for the eyes. Many of those in attendance, including dancers, wore traditional oriental garb, such as Yukatas also known as Kimonos. The women wore brightly colored, light cotton, full length robes; while the men wore informal Jacket length kimonos. These traditional Japanese outfits are beautiful, and many spectators, as well as dancers, mingled in the crowds donning the garb. Young and old alike could be seen in this type attire.

Image of Lanterns at the 2009 Portland Obon Festival.

The outer portion of the grounds offered tiny booths: on one side they sold Teriyaki chicken, short ribs, hot dogs, soda, shaved ice and more traditional type foods, such as Yakisoba, manju and Chirashizushi. On the other side, they sold gift items and t-shirts. Inside the lower level of the temple, there were activities for the children. In the center of the festival grounds, was a stage that could be viewed from all sides.  When we arrived, Portland Taiko had just taken the center stage. Taiko is the Japanese word for drum, but, Taiko is much more than just a drum, it is an art form. It combines rhythm, culture and movements into a spectacular show. Portland Taiko’s performance was funded in part by the Autzen Foundation and the Oregon Arts Commission. Portland Taiko was innovative and uplifting, in a performance that held the entire crowd’s attention.

Image of Portland Taiko playing live at the Obon Festival.

While it was rather hot due to the nearly 100 degree temperatures, the blacktop surface that served as the festival grounds, made the ambient temperature seem much worse. At one point, the overheated and dehydrated crowd completely drained the booths of all salable water. Luckily the event organizers were able to get additional supplies of water to the festival in a timely manner. There were tents that provided some shaded and stadium type bench seats, but standing provided the truly best view of the festivities.
After a short intermission, the Bon Odori Dancers came on to the center stage. This large group of dancers had rehearsed and practiced the fluid-like repetitive movements of the dance for the month prior to the performance. Even though the dancers were well rehearsed, all in attendance were invited to participate in the slow-moving easy to follow dance. Even very young children participated and seemed to have a good time strutting their beautiful outfits and best Bon Odori moves.

Kimonos were worn by young and old, men and women alike. They were artwork in there own right, from both the front and the back.

It was fun and educational, in spite of the heat.  I was new to this type of celebration but thoroughly enjoyed myself. I do however recommend that you bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a bottle of water, your camera and your sense of adventure. Check your local area between July and October for an Obon Festival in your area; it will be worth your time.

	A seasoned dancer patiently reviews the moves with a young girl who is just learning the techniques, prior to their performance.
	A beautiful dancer who has perfected the graceful movements of the traditional Japanese Bon Odori dance.