Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will host its annual Obon Weekend on August 12 and 13.
Obon is a traditional Japanese festival and holiday that holds cultural and spiritual importance. It honors and commemorates the spirits of one’s ancestors. The two-day holiday celebration will include “Launch the Lantern,” an intimate fundraiser dinner featuring a floating lantern celebration to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors.
During Obon Weekend, museum visitors are invited to stroll through Morikami’s Japanese gardens and gallery exhibits, and fill out tanzaku slips in memory of lost loved ones. Guests can also gain insight into the legacy of founder George Morikami at his bon altar.
During Obon, a time when it is believed that the spirits of deceased ancestors revisit their living relatives, families adorn their ancestors’ graves and altars food, fruits, and incense. Morikami’s Bon Altar will be displayed in Kamiya Room, adjacent to the membership desk. Visitors can enjoy Pan-Asian cuisine at the Cornell Café and watch live taiko drumming performances by Fushu Daiko at 11: a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m..
Take the celebration to the next level at Morikami’s Launch the Lantern dinner fundraiser on August 13, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. The evening kicks off with hors d’oeuvres, sake and whisky tastings, and Obon lantern decorating. Event goers will also enjoy a taiko performance in the Morikami Theater, followed by dinner and a floating lantern presentation on Lake Morikami. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Morikami’s exhibitions, education, emotional wellness programs, and expansion projects..
Obon Weekend is included with general admission. Taiko drumming performances are $5 for members and $10 for non-members, and are available for purchase here. Launch the Lantern dinner tickets are $200 per person and are available here.
