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Obon Festival

Get ready to dance, eat delicious food, and honor ancestors at the vibrant Obon Festival - a celebration of life and culture.

Thursday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 13

OBSERVED INJapan

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYBuddhist

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and cultural Obon Festival on August 13! This annual Japanese holiday is a time for families to come together and honor their ancestors through traditional dances, music, and food. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors return to visit their living relatives. The festival dates back over 500 years and has evolved into a celebration of unity, gratitude, and remembrance. So put on your yukata (summer kimono), grab some delicious street food, and join in on the lively festivities at the Obon Festival!

TIMELINE

Obon Festival Timeline

Obon Festival Origin

The tradition of the Obon Festival began in Japan, primarily as a Buddhist event to honor departed spirits of ancestors.

Introduction of Bon Odori

The Bon Odori, a traditional dance, became a key part of the Obon Festival celebrations in the 17th Century.

Growth and Recognition

By the 19th Century, the Obon Festival had gained significant recognition and started being observed across all of Japan with local variants.

Global Dissemination

With the Japanese diaspora in the 20th Century, the Obon Festival found its place in various parts of the world including Hawaii, Brazil, and parts of mainland U.S.A.

Recognition in U.S.A.

The Obon Festival increasingly gained recognition in America with large annual celebrations in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Obon Festival

Attend an Obon festival

The best way to celebrate Obon is to attend a festival! Look for local events in your area and immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese culture, food, and dance.

MAKE

Make a lantern

In Japanese culture, lanterns are lit to guide the spirits of ancestors during Obon. Try making your own lantern using traditional materials like paper and bamboo, or get creative with modern materials like mason jars and fairy lights.

LEARN

Learn traditional dances

At Obon festivals, people gather to dance traditional Bon Odori dances. Look up tutorials online or attend a dance workshop to learn these beautiful and meaningful dances.

PREPARE

Prepare traditional Obon food

Food is an important part of Obon celebrations. Try making traditional dishes like somen noodles, okonomiyaki, and ohagi, or put a modern twist on them to make them your own.

CREATE

Create a family memorial altar

Obon is a time to honor and remember ancestors. Set up a family memorial altar with photos and offerings of food and incense to pay tribute to your loved ones who have passed.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Obon Festival

The festivities are full of culture and tradition

From traditional dances like bon odori to displaying decorations such as lanterns and altars, Obon Festival is rich in customs and practices that have been passed down for generations. Participating in these rituals can give insight into the history and culture of Japan.

It's a time to honor and remember ancestors

Obon Festival, also known as the Bon Festival, is a Japanese Buddhist custom dedicated to honoring the spirits of one's ancestors. It's a beautiful way to show gratitude and respect for those who came before us.