A large crowd showed up under lightly smokey skies from wildfires on Sunday afternoon at Arcata’s Creamery District to celebrate Obon. The Japanese Buddhist festival honoring the spirits of one’s ancestors is a recent tradition in Humboldt, having begun locally in 2022. After opening shakuhachi (Japanese flute) music by Rick Kruse, emcee Marylyn Paik-Nicely welcomed […]
Humboldt Obon Festival
Scenes from the Humboldt Obon Festival (Slideshow)
The second annual Humboldt Obon Festival got underway under warm sunshine on Sunday outside the Arcata Playhouse. The festival again drew a large crowd to celebrate traditional Japanese foods, Bon Odori dancing and culture. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. In a ceremonial opening after shakuhachi (Japanese flute) […]
Second Annual Humboldt Obon Festival Happening Sunday
The second annual Humboldt Obon Festival takes place this Sunday, Aug. 13, from 4 to 8 p.m. outside the Arcata Playhouse (free to attend). The festival, which drew a large crowd last year, is a celebration of traditional Japanese foods and culture. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. […]
Humboldt’s First Obon Festival this Sunday
Humboldt Asians & Pacific Islanders in Solidarity (HAPI) present Humboldt’s first Obon Festival, Sunday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. in front of Arcata Playhouse. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. The festival at the Playhouse will include a blessing by a Buddhist priest, stories and Obon […]
