Obon Festival
Obon Festival
The Obon Festival (お盆, also known as Bon Matsuri) is an annual Japanese Buddhist holiday celebrated in the summer that commemorates our deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives.
There are five offerings, or “goku”, made to the ancestors: incense to purify the air; flowers to symbolize the impermanence of life; candles to light the way for the spirits; water to quench their thirst; and food for nourishment.
Our church celebrates the return of our ancestor's spirits with commemorative lanterns and holding a service followed by a joyful festival that includes food, Ondo dancing, Taiko drumming, and socializing. Our festival closes with a short service that includes candle lighting in celebration of the ancestral spirits.
~ 2025 Obon Festival Information ~
When: Currently Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025
Time: 3:00pm - 10:00pm
Admission: FREE!
Parking: Available anywhere on the street or at the Post Office at
1690 W. 23rd Street Long Beach, 90810 (One block south of the church).
Elderly/Disabled drop off: Orange cones in front of the church will mark a space on the street for elderly or disabled people to be dropped off.
Obon Service: 3:00 - 4:30pm
Taiko performances: 5:00 - 6:30pm
Ondo Dancing: 6:30 - 8:30pm
Opportunity Drawing: 8:45pm
Closing Service: 9:00pm
Clean up: 9:15pm or at the end of service