On the last weekend in June, the Obon festival took place at the Japanese American Center in Pacoima, California. It was a night of authentic style food, dancing and more as thousands came out to pay their respects to past generations and to get in touch with their Japanese roots.
The Japanese American Community Center hosted a 2-day event for the community to come out and experience authentic Japanese food, dancing and games on the last weekend in June.
The main purpose of the Obon Festival was to bring the community together for a time of reflection and gratitude to past generations.
Residents could view various bonzai trees on display at the festival.
Seasoned dancers invited the community to join in a night of communal dancing.
Young and mature dancers gathered together in rhythm
Taiko drummers kept the beat for the night’s festivities.
There were also games where people could try their look in winning a prize.
And handcrafted dolls entranced crowds as they marveled at the detail and authenticity of the collections.
Even select proverbs as the “see no evil” collection, showed a diversity in the doll collection.
Children were able to create their own Japanese themed bookmarks in the kid’s area.
And Senior crafts were on display in the hall for reasonable prices of only a few dollars.
And Bingo was the highlight of the senior craft area as the community came out to try their luck for just one dollar per card.
Homemade donuts by a local foursquare church enticed people to try for only 2 dollars a bag.
And of course people could partake of Japanese style Udon in the kitchen.
