Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple and Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission presents a free community bon dance from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday at Makae‘o Events Pavilion.
Craft fair and food vendors will start at 5 p.m. Bon dance to start at 6 p.m.
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist summer festival which honors the memory of one’s ancestors.
Celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years, this festival was brought to Hawaii in the late 19th century by immigrant laborers who settled in the islands. It has become a community festival that everyone can enjoy.
Obon is a festival of joyful memory in which we celebrate life and our continuing relationship with all those who have come before.
Bon Odori is the highlight of the festival, with taiko drums and dancing to traditional and contemporary music. Attendees often dress in colorful kimono and happi coats as they dance amongst colorful lanterns.
The public is welcomed to celebrate Obon and summer with ono food, dancing and fun for the whole family.