Cortez Buddhist Temple Obon Festival (Sat only)NEW

The Annual Cortez Obon Festival will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2010 starting at 7 pm, in the parking lot between Cortez Hall and Cortez Buddhist Church on the Cortez Avenue, between Santa Fe Drive and Linwood Avenue, southeast of Turlock.

The Obon Festival is held in many communities in Japan as well as in Japanese American communities around the United States. The origins of Obon are from the Buddhist legend of Mogallana, one of the Buddha's disciples, rejoicing when his mother's soul was redeemed from the realm of hungry ghosts. Most people of Japanese ancestry celebrate Obon as a homecoming: a time to visit one's hometown and give homage to ancestors.

For many Buddhist churches and temples in America this festival offers a time to hold major fundraisers in the form of bazaars with ethnic food, games, cultural displays, and, of course, Obon dancing. However, in the humble rural community of Cortez, we simply celebrate with joyous dancing.

Obon dancing is traditionally very simple. Most dances are set to Japanese folk songs, both old and new, with repetitive steps that can be learned quickly and lends itself to spontaneity. Many children dress in tradition summer wear called yukata, while adults choose to wear hapi coats over their street clothes. Obon festivals are very casual affairs and are meant for people to act spontaneously. Those in the audience are encouraged to participate. Come and join us! There will be a brief taiko (Japanese style drumming) performance at 7 PM. Dancing will start promptly at 7:30 PM. During intermission, enjoy the Cortez Karaoke Club singers while you are treated to soft drinks and cookies.

If you would like a preview of the dancing or would like to learn the dances, practices will be held at the Cortez Buddhist Church (corner of Linwood and Cortez Avenues off of Santa Fe Drive), on Tuesday, July 6 through Friday, July 9 from 7 PM to 8 PM.

Date
Saturday, July 10, 2010

Festival Time
7:00 pm Starts

Dance Time
7:30 pm dancing begins

Event Title
Cortez Buddhist Temple Obon Festival (Sat only)

Event Location
Cortez Buddhist Temple, Cortez Ave. and Linwood Ave., Turlock, CA 95380

Web Sites - Add This Obon Link to Your Web Page
http://www.japanese-city.com/calendar/events/japanese-city-events-locations-summer-obon-odori-taiko-line-dancing-dango-drums-games-food.php