As a new transplant to Monterey, I am enjoying what seems to be a different festival each weekend.  And this past weekend the Monterey Peninsula Buddhist Temple hosted the Obon festival.  I had never heard of this celebration but apparently it is celebrated by all Buddhist temples in July to honor deceased ancestors.  It is a time for family and many people head home to spend quality time with loved ones. 
 Here in Seaside it was a celebration of culture, which included a beautiful array of colors. 

 Along with martial arts demonstrations there was some amazing food to be enjoyed.  It was tough to decide between, sushi, odon noodles, teriyaki, gyoza....you get what I am saying.

I had not been inside a Buddhist temple since I was in college so it was a nice opportunity to revisit and and learn about this yearly tradition.  Since this celebration is held every July, perhaps you can still enjoy it this summer.  Click here to see when your town holds the celebration.