For the 33rd year, the Morikami will host the uber-popular Bon Festival. The event, on August 14, inspired by Japan’s three-day Obon holiday honoring the spirits, packs all of the celebration’s excitement into one fun-filled evening.Bon follows the Obon holiday’s tradition of remembering ancestors and thanking them for the living’s quality of life with cultural activities, entertainment and food, as well as a sea of illuminated lanterns and fireworks.
When night falls, patrons pay homage to those who have passed on by floating individually decorated candlelit lanterns on Morikami Pond, a traditional Japanese ceremony known as Toro Nagashi. The myriad of lights created by the floating lanterns signifies the guidance of departed souls back to where they came candlelit lanterns on after their brief visit. There will be limited lanterns available for $10 each, and they will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida since its opening in 1977. The Morikami invites guests to discover South Florida’s heritage and its connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through world-class exhibits, varied educational programs and seasonal events, bonsai display, pan-Asian cuisine and a distinctive museum store.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach, Florida.
For more information about top events in Florida take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Florida.
For more information on Morikami’s Bon Festival visit http://www.morikami.org