Jyuu Roku Nichi Sai (16th Day Festival), Ishigaki Island

Singing, dancing and eating on their family’s tombs is an important part of Ishigaki, Okinawa culture. Each year at the beginning of March entire families gather to share food with their ancestors on top of or in front of the resting place of their dead family members.

People prepare elaborate meals with all the trimmings and bring them to the tombs known as Kikkoubaka where the children play games, and everyone sings songs while sharing food with their departed ancestors in a picnic like lunch.

The Okinawan people have a very positive image of grave sites in their culture. They celebrate and remember their family history and ancestors in this festival each year