Respect Your Elders

The Japanese aesthetic is a beautiful thing. Paired with the calming love of the Buddhist religion we find a beautiful evening in celebration of both life and death. The Obon Festival at the ABQ Botanic Garden brings us an experience that may seem a little familiar to our own culture, Día de los Muertos. Obon or Bon is the Japanese-Buddhist celebration honoring the spirits of one's ancestors. In Japanese households, they adorn altars and visit the graves as they have for over 500 years. Be part of the celebration on Thursday, Aug. 16 from 7 to 9pm, with gates opening at 6:30pm. The evening includes singing, Bon-Odori folk dancing, live taiko drumming and food for purchase fitting of the evening with items such as chicken yakitori, mochi ice cream and a cash bar with chilled sake. All participants receive a lantern to write on and send off into the pond at dusk to honor their own ancestors. This event is for the whole family and costs $6 for children and seniors, $12 for adults and member discounts.