HAPI's Obon Festival 2024: KMUD Public Affairs Special

Local Non profit, HAPI- Humboldt Asians and Pacific Islanders in solidarity held their 3rd annual Obon Festival in Arcata last weekend . Obon is a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of ancestors. Celebrated annually, usually in mid-August, Obon involves rituals such as visiting ancestral graves, lighting lanterns, and performing dances known as Bon Odori. The festival is a time for families to come together, reflect on their heritage, and pay respects to those who have passed away. It's one of Japan's most significant cultural events, blending spirituality with community celebration. This year, the Humboldt Obon festival included Rev. Rinban Sakamoto from the San Jose Buddhist Church who joined HAPI to bless their festival and share the stories and traditions of Obon. Atendees enjoyed he Obon dancing, taiko drumming, Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine, art, children’s activities, and more. In addition to Obon, the organization has been working many different projects thought the community, including spearheading the Eureka China Town Project which honors the history and culture of the first Chinese people in Humboldt County. HAPI has worked with the city of Eureka to create public art installations that celebrates the history and culture of the historic Chinese community in Humboldt while raising awareness of the local Chinese expulsion events and the federal and state exclusionary acts that shaped our society today. HAPI continues to build and empower our community by amplifying diverse voices and perspectives for a more engaged and inclusive future. On Sunday, August 11th, they invited KMUD News to Obon and we have the honor of sharing these highlights...