Tanabata, also known as the Star Festival, is a Japanese festival inspired by the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, represented by the stars Vega and Altair. People often write wishes on colourful strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches. Celebrations may include decorations, parades, music and summer festival foods.

Event Suggestions:
• Write wishes on tanzaku and hang them on bamboo branches
• Share the story of Orihime and Hikoboshi
• Create Tanabata decorations with stars, paper cranes or streamers