Olympia’s Own Bon Odori Festival Celebrates Diversity

0 Shares

 

Submitted by Dr. Diana Yu

Bon OdoriOne of the things I love most about living in Olympia is the way we celebrate diversity.  Instead of pointing out our differences, we embrace everyone else into our culture and traditions.

A multi-ethnic group of dancers, led by Reiko Callner, have been practicing for the past month so that they in turn can help other community dancers at the upcoming Bon Odori Festival held August 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. on Water Street in Downtown Olympia.

The annual Bon Odori is a street dancing festival honoring ancestors.  In Olympia, it is organized by the Japanese American Citizens’ League and welcomes participation from the entire community.  In addition to the traditional Japanese folk dances, there are Taiko drumming exhibitions, food vendors, street lanterns and a whole lot of folks dressed in traditional attire.  The entire Water Street area by Capitol Lake is turned into a little bit of Japan for one evening.

Come join in the celebration, enjoy some Japanese delicacies, step into the circle and try some traditional dance, take pictures and when dusk settles, help carry lanterns on a walk around the lake and honor your ancestors.  It is a wonderful tradition and one you and your family can enjoy as part of our Olympia community.  For just one evening, experience a bit of Japanese culture and tradition.Bon Odori - Taiko 4

Festivities start at 5 p.m. with food booths, followed by demonstrations from River Ridge High School Taiko drummers and Aikido in Olympia martial artists.  Traditional music and dancing begins at 7 p.m.  There will be a group dressed in Japanese yukata (summer kimonos) helping to lead the dances.

Folks interested in learning the dances before Saturday can attend a free workshop from 7 – 9 p.m. on Friday August 15 at the Olympia Center.

For more information contact Reiko Callner 360 791-3295 or Bob Nakamura 360 556-7562.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares