The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach is devoted to sharing the living culture of Japan. As soon as you step onto the grounds of this former Japanese farming colony, you will feel transported to a foreign land, and filled with a sense of peace.

On an average day, visitors stroll through the garden, view an impressive bonsai collection and koi pond.
Flickr/Richard Whent
They can also take part in traditional tea ceremonies, eat delicious sushi, and shop for unique gifts.
Flickr/Mitch
But October 21st is no average day. The Lantern Festival is part of a very important Japanese festival called Obon, in which ancestors' spirits are invited into descendants' homes.
This unique celebration is unlike anything else in Florida, and maybe even the whole country.
Flickr/Bob B. Brown

Related Stories

You Won't Want To Miss This Magical Fairy Festival In Florida's Beautiful Gardens

You Won't Want To Miss This Magical Fairy Festival In Florida's Beautiful Gardens

 This Incredible Kite Festival In Florida Is A Must-See

This Incredible Kite Festival In Florida Is A Must-See

 6 Summer Wine Festivals In Florida You Simply Cannot Miss

6 Summer Wine Festivals In Florida You Simply Cannot Miss
The purpose of the lantern floating, or toro nagashi, is to help guide ancestors back to the otherworld.
Flickr/Bob B. Brown
The lanterns are inscribed with special messages for ancestors and departed loved ones.
The lantern floating ceremony is so beautiful, all 7,000 tickets for the festival sold out in the first 12 hours last year.
Flickr/Mitch
The number of attendees has been limited to keep the festival intimate and meaningful.
Flickr/tehbizz
This ceremony has taken place for centuries in Japan, and nearly 40 years here at Morikami.

The Lantern Festival takes place October 21st, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale in August, so watch Morikami’s website for updates. Lanterns are available for purchase at the beginning of the event for $12. Tickets and lanterns sell out early, so you have to be quick if you want to be a part of this incredible event.

Have you ever attended Morikami’s Lantern Festival? What’s your favorite Florida Festival?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Florida