Major Events & Festivals in Jerusalem, Israel

All Topics about Jerusalem All Cities in Israel

1. Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushalayim)

Celebrates the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967. Processions, concerts, and cultural events take place citywide.

Historical Significance: Provides visitors a unique insight into Israel's history and the significance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people.
Community Participation: Offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions and join celebrations with Jerusalem residents.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually on the 28th of Iyar in the Jewish calendar, usually falling in late May or early June.

Daily candle-lighting ceremony during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah at the Western Wall.

Spiritual Experience: A heartfelt, spiritual experience for visitors to witness and participate in this ancient tradition.
Local Culture: Offers insight into the customs and traditions of Jewish culture during this beloved holiday.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually for eight days, starting on Kislev 25 in the Jewish calendar, usually falling in late November or December.

Jewish harvest festival where families build temporary huts (sukkot) to commemorate the wandering of the Israelites in the desert.

Immersive Experience: Allows visitors to experience a hands-on, immersive part of Jewish culture and history.
Community Bonding: Provides opportunities for visitors to interact with locals and participate in communal meals within the sukkot.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually, beginning on Tishri 15 in the Jewish calendar, usually falling in late September or early October.

Community gatherings and street festivals mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Cultural Insight: Provides a unique insight into Muslim culture and customs during this significant time.
Community Engagement: Offers visitors opportunities to engage with the local Muslim community and witness their traditions.
Timing Consideration: Occurs at the end of Ramadan, which begins with the sighting of the crescent moon, usually falling in late April or May.

Annual marathon event that takes participants through the historic sites and neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

Scenic Route: Allows runners to experience the rich history and beauty of Jerusalem while participating in a challenging athletic event.
Community Support: Provides an opportunity for participants to interact with locals and other runners from around the world.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually in the spring, typically in early or mid-March.

Showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world at various venues across Jerusalem.

Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural exchange and understanding through the art of cinema, with films from various nations and perspectives.
Local Talent Showcase: Highlights local filmmakers and their unique stories, offering visitors an insight into Israeli culture and society.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually in the summer, typically in late June or early July.

Celebration of Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a significant site for Christians.

Spiritual Experience: A moving spiritual experience for Christian visitors to witness and participate in this sacred event.
Historical Significance: Offers a connection to the history of Christianity and the story of Jesus Christ at this holy site.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually on December 24th, celebrating the Christian holiday of Christmas.

Tasting and learning about local Israeli wines from various wineries at the Israel Museum.

Culinary Experience: Offers a taste of Israel's thriving wine industry, showcasing a diverse selection of local wines.
Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to learn about the winemaking process and the history of Israeli wine production.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually in late summer, typically in August or early September.

Showcasing the diverse culinary offerings of Jerusalem at various venues across the city.

Culinary Experience: Offers a taste of Jerusalem's rich and diverse food culture, with offerings from local eateries and vendors.
Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural exchange through food, allowing visitors to learn about local customs and traditions.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually in the spring, typically in late May or early June.

Celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in Jerusalem with a colorful parade and various events throughout the city.

Cultural Exchange: Offers a unique insight into the local LGBTQ+ community and their struggles for acceptance.
Community Support: Provides an opportunity to show support for the local LGBTQ+ community during this important celebration.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually in late June, coinciding with the global Pride Month celebrations.

Celebration of international students at Hebrew University with cultural performances, food, and activities.

Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural exchange between local and international students, showcasing diverse traditions and customs.
Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to learn about the academic community at Hebrew University and connect with international students.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually, typically in late October or early November.

Showcasing avant-garde and experimental theatre performances at various venues across Jerusalem.

Artistic Experience: Offers a unique artistic experience, with performances that push the boundaries of traditional theater.
Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural exchange through the art of avant-garde theater, allowing visitors to learn about local and international artists.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually in late winter or early spring, typically in February or March.

Celebration of design and innovation in various fields at venues across the city.

Inspirational Experience: Offers inspiration and insight into contemporary design trends, with exhibitions, workshops, and talks.
Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in various design fields from local and international experts.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually, typically in late September or early October.

Showcasing contemporary art installations and performances at various venues across Jerusalem.

Artistic Experience: Offers a unique artistic experience, with contemporary installations and performances that challenge perceptions.
Cultural Exchange: Fosters cultural exchange through the art of contemporary installation and performance, allowing visitors to learn about local and international artists.
Timing Consideration: Occurs every two years, with the next edition scheduled for late 2023 or early 2024.

Celebrating the New Year of Trees with tree-planting ceremonies and educational activities at the Biblical Zoo.

Educational Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of trees, their role in Jewish tradition, and conservation efforts.
Community Engagement: Offers visitors the chance to participate in tree-planting ceremonies and contribute to environmental initiatives.
Timing Consideration: Occurs annually on Tu BiShvat, which usually falls in late January or early February.