Since 2005, Odaiko Sonora has drummed the heartbeat of the Urn at the front of the All Souls Procession. Our group’s participation is based on obon, the Japanese Buddhist ancestor festival. The two rituals we hope to embody are bon odori (festival dance), and toronagashi (lantern ceremony). The Odaiko Sonora crew has grown over 13 years and now consists of drummers, dancers, cart pullers, guardians (who hold lighted bamboo poles to help hold space around us) and lantern lighters (who pass out the lanterns to the crowd).
»More about Odaiko Sonora’s history with the All Souls Procession
Memorial Lantern Building Workshop
Oct 4, 11, 18, 25, Nov 1
5-8pm
Takamatsu Restaurant
5532 E Speedway Blvd
Decorate a lantern cover in honor of your loved ones. Lanterns will be distributed before the All Souls Procession on November 4, carried along the route and their covers burned in the Urn during the finale. Free, though donations to the All Souls Procession will be accepted.
Our use of memorial lanterns in the All Souls Procession has its roots in the Japanese ceremony called “toronagashi,” the meaning of which is a combination of “lantern” and “to flow/cruise.” The toronagashi is typically done by a river or body of water, where lanterns can be floated. Odaiko Sonora has created a “desert toronagashi” in which participants in the Procession carry the lanterns to the finale site. There, lantern covers are placed into the Urn to be burned during the finale.
»Learn more about the toronagashi
»Lanterns in Tucson’s 2017 All Souls Procession
Obon Dance & Chant Workshop
10/20, 12:30-1:15pm
10/24, 5:30-6:15pm
10/27, 12:30-1:15pm
RiPFactory
1013 S. Tyndall
Learn the dance and chant, and walk with us during the All Souls Procession on November 4. You can learn them in one session, but come to others for practice, work on costumes and the Procession Drum Cart. Free, though donations to the All Souls Procession will be accepted.
»Odaiko Sonora All Souls Procession resources for dancers and chanters
