In response to the recent earthquake in Japan, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach partnered with Eventbrite during its 34th annual Bon Festival on August 13 to raise money for victims. The outdoor cultural festival, inspired by Japan's three-day Obon holiday honoring the spirits, drew more than 9,000 people—1,000 more than last year—to join in the festivities while helping out the cause.
"We were thrilled to celebrate the 34th annual Bon Festival with more visitors than ever, while raising funds for Japan relief via advance ticket sales through our partnership with Eventbrite," said Kizzy Sanchez Sherven, director of marketing and events for the museum. The Morikami raised more than $2,600 for Japan relief from advance online adult and child ticket sales.
To honor and raise funds for those impacted by the recent earthquake and tsunami, special remembrance activities took place throughout the day. "Remembering the victims of the Japan earthquake and tsunami with a dedicated shoryobune and toro nagashi added a special touch to the evening," said Sherven. This year, festivalgoers wrote messages on slips of paper known as tanazku and placed them on the boatlike structure known as a shoryobune. Attendees could also let go of paper lanterns called toro nagashi to flow in on museum grounds, to honor families who have lost loved ones in the past.
Other traditional activities offered guests the opportunity to learn about Japanese music and dance. Under tents provided by Tents n Events, dance group Chitose Kai performed bon odori, a form of folk dancing where Japanese women in traditional dress lead slow, rhythmic dance moves, and group Fushu Daiko featured drumming on the Yagura stage.
Between cultural programs, San Francisco Puffs & Stuff, a Fort Lauderdale-based concession and catering company, offered different pan-Asian menu items like yakitori, as did the Morikami’s on-site restaurant, the Cornell Cafe.
