Purim, the most joyful event in Israel

Purim is one of the main holidays in Israel and usually falls on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar. This year, 2022, falls between 16 and 17 March.

Although the origin of this holiday is religious, nowadays it is also an occasion to join parties all over the country. In other words, it is probably the most joyful of the Jewish holidays!

Let’s find out more!

THE ORIGIN OF PURIM

This holiday celebrate the day in which, around 2000 years ago, Jewish people escaped from persecution by Persian king Achashverosh.

The king’s adviser had convinced him to kill all the Jews. But the king’s wife Esther and her cousin Mordecai began a fast to ask for God’s intervention. And the king actually changed his mind, saving all the Jews.

Even today Purim is preceded by a fast, called the Fast of Esther. The purpose is the purification of the soul.

PARTIES AND FESTIVALS

During the holiday every city organize street parties which lasts until the late night. People enjoy music, dance and often wear costumes which make the atmosphere even more festive. Precisely for this reason, it is somewhat reminiscent of the Carnival or even Halloween.

A good thing is that, although Purim is a one-day event, the parties usually go on for a week.

Events in Tel Aviv

The Purim street party in Tel Aviv is the biggest one in Israel, and it’s free!

The party usually takes place in Kikar Hamedina and is an explosion of costumes! Particularly famous is the Purim zombie walk, during which people dressed as zombies walk through the city.

Purim in Jerusalem

Purim in Jerusalem differs from that of other cities in Israel.

First, it is celebrated one day later than the rest of the country and is called Shushan Purim.
Then, in addition to parades and street art, people are more attentive to religious aspects.
Finally, people usually exchange gifts or give money to charity.

In short, if the celebrations in Tel Aviv are very original, those in Jerusalem are more traditional, but both of them are events that you shouldn’t miss during a trip to Israel.