OK, girls, March 1 is your day.
That’s when Yume Japanese Gardens, 2130 N. Alvernon Way (a block south of Tucson Botanical Gardens) will hold its celebration of the annual Japanese holiday Hinamatsuri, or Girls' Day. The event welcomes the beginning of spring while wishing for the health and future happiness of young women.
Yume — it means “dream” in Japanese — celebrates 1-4:30 p.m. with traditional hina doll displays, foods and activities.
As part of the event, youngsters can make their own dolls out of paper and clay, says Patricia Deridder, who founded the 3-acre garden in 2013.
Dolls are the centerpiece of the traditional holiday, with the belief that the toys had the ability to contain evil spirits. So, part of the festival involves setting dolls adrift down a river to carry bad spirits away with them. Yume visitors can also float their dolls in the gardens’ pond.
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“It’s tradition — it’s cute and beautiful to do,” Deridder says.
The event is aimed at kids 4-11 years old, but can definitely appeal to those younger and older, says Deridder, who will also have pint-sized kimonos for dress up and photos, too.
Up to three children are admitted free with a paid adult admission, $9.
Yume’s grounds include a traditional stone Zen garden, koi pond, dry river, Japanese house and fountains and an art exhibit.
