Obon Matsuri Festival – July 19, 2025:

The Obon festival that we hosted for many years is finally making its return! Join us on Saturday, July 19th at 12pm – 4pm at the front parking lot to the temple to enjoy an afternoon of Japanese / Japanese-American cultural activities. All are welcome and attendance is free.

Location: 1015 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

From Wikipedia: “Obon is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. This Buddhist custom has evolved into a family reunion holiday during which people return to ancestral family places and visit and clean their ancestors’ graves when the spirits of ancestors are supposed to revisit the household altars. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than 500 years and traditionally includes a dance, known as Bon Odori.” — If you have ever been to Japan in the summer time, you’ll know that this is a major cultural event that happens in pretty much every town & city.

Dance practice schedule:

Leading up to July 19th we will host dance practices at the church. Please come join us on the following dates to learn traditional Japanese dances that we will do at our upcoming Obon festival. Practices are open to all ages, and no previous dance experience is needed. The routines are easy and accessible to all!

Dance practices will be held at the church (at 1015 E Montecito St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103) on the following dates.

• Saturday, June 7: 1 pm – 3 pm
• Saturday, June 21: 1 pm – 3 pm
• Friday, July 11: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
• Friday, July 18: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm