What is Obon?
Many San Jose Bike party faithful are familar with Dia de los Muertos and our (almost) annual ride to celebrate this holiday. The Japanese celebrate a similar festival in which they honor their spirits of their ancestors. During this time family member’s visit and clean their ancestors’ graves to celebrate their spirits return to the household alters.
This festival,  or more like it several days of remembrance has been celebrated for over 500 years in Japan as well as here in San Jose’s Japantown, one of three left in the United States. This year San Jose Japantown celebrates Obon on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, a week before our big ride.
This month our ride format will change somewhat from previous rides. Our route will be somewhat shorter and we will feature one longer regroup which will include San Jose Taiko and DJ sets from DJ Live and DJ Sharkie.
San Jose Taiko at our Hot August Nights Ride in 2010
Also we are announcing a ride start at 7:30 pm with wheels on the street promptly at 8:00 pm. When you hear the announcements along with the BIRD whistles; its time to leave.
So dress up in your bright colored yukatas (summer kimonos) and come join us for this fantastic summer festival.
