City: Delray Beach, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (561) 495-0233

Address: 4000 Morikami Park Rd.

Description: Obon is an ancient Japanese holiday when families honor their ancestors and thank them for the good life their descendants are living. At the Morikami, the traditional version of Obon isn’t celebrated, but the Bon Festival is celebrated with great gusto. On the night of the festival, the grounds reverberate with the strong echoes of taiko drum performances. There’s traditional Japanese folk-dancing—with audience participation—and a street fair with games and vendor booths selling crafts. The highlight of the evening comes at sunset, when the lake is transformed into a brilliant sea of lighted lanterns that, in accordance with Japanese custom, guide the departure of the souls of the ancestors who have come for a brief visit among the living. A fireworks display follows. Held in mid Aug; admission is charged.