The Obon Festival in mid-August is a time across Japan to remember ancestors with traditional events such as Bon dancing and guiding ancestors' spirits via floating lanterns. It is also a chance to unite the community. Matsushima has its own version called Umi no Bon Matsuri, the Bon Festival of the Sea. Its creation is actually a revival of local traditions after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. In addition to the above mentioned events, local food vendors and a small fireworks display add to the festivities. At the end of the two-day festival, Buddhist priests gathering around the important Zuiganji Temple parade through the grounds chanting sutras.
The event is becoming more and more international as this year featured free yukata rentals for foreigners. The yukatas were kindly donated by local residents. Then, while dressed in the traditional clothing, locals and foreigners danced a centuries-old Bon dance together in the middle of the festival grounds.
