Traditional Buddhist celebration returns to Santa Maria after pandemic hiatus

We are so happy to share this article in the Santa Maria Times by Mike Hodgson (mhodgson@santamariatimes.com)

Obon committee chair, Esther Trejo is quoted:

“You know, when you’re running a festival, you tend to get tunnel vision,” Trejo said. “But we had a lot of happy people, we sold out all the food we had and there was a lot of joyful dancing.”The thunder of traditional taiko drumming filled the area with performances by Togen Daiko from the Oxnard Buddhist Temple and Ichi Mi Daiko from the San Luis Obispo Buddhist Temple. “Our sister temples really came out and supported us,” Trejo said. Visitors were also thrilled by martial arts demonstrations by Rising Sun Martial Arts in Santa Maria and Central Coast Kenpo Karate in Nipomo. The celebration was something of a “street party,” as the street outside the Cultural Center was closed to allow events outdoors, and Trejo expressed gratitude to the city for allowing and facilitating that.