Located on the traditional land of the Northern Paiute, Eastern Mono/Monache and Newe (Western Shoshone) people.
1943 Cardinal and Gold Summer
1944 Our World
1945 Valediction
Don’t forget about our Manzanar At Dusk program held the evening of the annual Pilgrimage! See the FAQ for that event (coming soon).
Manzanar Pilgrimage
Q: What is the Manzanar Pilgrimage?
A: The Manzanar Pilgrimage includes speakers, cultural performances, an interfaith service, and concludes with Ondo dancing. Because the program varies each year please refer to the press releases, stories and other materials published on this web site for information on the upcoming Pilgrimage. Publicity for the next Manzanar Pilgrimage usually begins in late January or early February.
Q: When does the Manzanar Pilgrimage take place?
A: The annual Manzanar Pilgrimage is always scheduled for the last Saturday in April. The program usually begins at 11:30 AM and runs until roughly 2:30 PM. Times are subject to change each year.
Q: Do participants need to register or make reservations? Is there a fee?
A: No registration or reservation is required to attend the pilgrimage. The event is free and open to the public. However, reservations are required for bus transportation.
Q: Where is the Manzanar Pilgrimage held?
A: The Manzanar Pilgrimage is held at the Manzanar National Historic Site at the cemetery in the northwest corner of the site. Manzanar is approximately 230 miles northeast of Los Angeles on U.S. Highway 395. See map below for directions.
Q: Is bus transportation to the Pilgrimage available?
A: The Manzanar Committee usually sponsors a bus that leaves from Little Tokyo in Los Angeles. Other community organizations may also sponsor buses. Keep an eye out for press releases announcing the availability of bus transportation.
Q: Are food and drinks available at Manzanar?
A: No. Please bring your own food and snacks. Participants are asked to bring refillable water bottles that may be refilled at stations on site.
Q: What is the weather like at Manzanar during the Pilgrimage?
A: Be prepared for ANY kind of weather, as it can change very, very quickly along the slopes of the Eastern Sierra. Winds usually kick up as we go deeper into the afternoon. Bring a hat, sunscreen and lip balm and USE THEM, even if it's cloudy, as ultraviolet light penetrates clouds and is rather intense at higher elevations. Also, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER while you’re there. STAY HYDRATED EVEN IF THE WEATHER IS MILD. The air is much drier at higher elevations.
Q: Is there a religious service during the Pilgrimage?
A: YES. An interfaith service is traditionally a part of the Pilgrimage program. For those participating in the traditional flower offering please be sure to bring your own flowers. The Manzanar Committee cannot provide flowers for everyone.
Q: Can we collect items found on the site as souvenirs or for other purposes?
A: NO. Manzanar National Historic Site is protected land. Collecting anything from the site is forbidden even if it looks like it was just trash. Many such items are actually historic. As the saying goes, “Take only photographs. Leave only footprints.”