Purim in Israel. March 20-21, 2019

Purim is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Israel. Purim in Israel is embraced by the whole country, from religious Jews in Jerusalem to secular Tel Avivians, it is a time of festivity and celebrated far beyond its original religious roots. Purim parties take place across Israel, with Purim street parties with carnival atmospheres taking place in almost every city, town, and village in the country.

Purim is also one of the biggest nights of the year at clubs up and down the country. With so much going on, and so much color in the amazing costumes that can be seen, Purim in Israel is a fascinating time to be in the country.

In 2019, the festival of Purim will take place from the evening of March 20 until the evening of March 21.

** For events in Tel Aviv – see our dedicated article about Purim in Tel Aviv and for events in Jerusalem, Purim in Jerusalem** For events in the rest of Israel, see below **

Purim in Israel

Purim is the festival that celebrates the Jewish people in the Persian Empire’s survival in the face of destruction in the wake of a plot by Haman. The festival is widely celebrated but is not a day when people do not work, and businesses are open pretty well as usual. The main symbols of Purim are masquerading, and from kids to adults, this tradition is widely embraced, and festive drinking, which many interpret as ‘getting drunk’ among all elements of society. Special foods, including Hamantaschen (Oznei Haman) – sweet pastry filled with, typically, a sweet poppy seed filling, are eaten, and bakeries across the country will be baking these in the run-up to the festival.

Tel Aviv Purim Zombie Walk

Another annual event, the Tel Aviv Purim Zombie walk features, well, zombies, walking through the streets of Tel Aviv. In 2019, the event is expected to return, seeing thousands of locals dressed as zombies, invading nighttime Tel Aviv. Gathering at 21:30 at the corner of Ben-Zion Boulevard and King George (Near the Dizengoff Center). The Zombie Walk takes place on the closest Saturday Eve of Purim each year.

More Purim in Tel Aviv here

Purim in Safra Square Jerusalem

Jerusalem’s main Purim event takes place in Safra Square in the heart of the city, with a huge range of events for kids and families alike.

More Purim in Jerusalem here

Adloyada Holon, Holon Purim Parade

Adloyada Holon is one of the biggest Purim events in Israel, a massive carnival that will take place in 2019 for the 28th time in the city of Holon, just south of Tel Aviv. Read more about Adloyada Holon.

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