Israel celebrates its 63rd birthday this coming Monday evening, and as only Israel knows how, is about to party the night away (and nothing like any 63 year old we know…). Independence Day in Israel (known as Yom HaAtzmaut in Hebrew) is, of course, a national holiday and everybody is out to celebrate!
In what is always a surreal few hours, Independence Day celebrations are always preceded by the more somber Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron). It’s one heck of an emotional roller-coaster for 48 hours; from the truly moving and very sad stories of soldiers who’ve been lost along the way over the last 63 years, to the pure carnival atmosphere where drink and good times just keep flowing…
As is typical for a Jewish holiday, Independence Day events begin immediately after the sun sets on Memorial Day. The nation invariably catches some of the official events on early evening TV, before going out to celebrate themselves.
So, if you’ve got your dancing shoes ready, here are five great Independence Day parties (yes, there are literally hundreds of parties on Monday night!) to check out in Tel Aviv…
1. Florentin Street Party
This southern Tel Aviv neighborhood will come alive, as it does every year, with a big street party. There’ll be lots of loud music and quite a few happy, drunk Israelis. And, yes, you get to shake your bootie for FREE! Things get started around 9pm, but just so you know, some 60,000 are expected for this one! Just follow the crowds…
2. Rami Mieri’s Last Jungle
Renowned graffiti artist Rami Mieri is having a shindig in his backyard (on the corner of HaYarkon and Nehamia streets – don’t worry, you can’t miss his studio!). Kick off at 10pm, free drinks and great music promised, but it will set you back 120 shekels on the door. But this could be one of the coolest parties on the night!
3. Street Party @ Gilda (Ehad HaAm 64)
A lot smaller than the huge Florentin monster party, this party comes complete with 4 DJs on the stage, who’ll be bringing you some house, electro beats and some freestyle. This could be the place to kick off your night (some stonking house tunes are first up on the menu). Starts at 8pm, and entrance is FREE (freebies are goood!)!
4. The Biggest Rooftop Party!
This one is on one of the biggest rooftops in Tel Aviv apparently, at Yigal Allon 55 (Entrance A). Organized by some bar owners and party people in Tel Aviv who are determined to bring Independence Day to the people. Things get started at 9:30pm, complete with a free chaser. 60 shekels to enter, check out more over here (in Hebrew).
5. Tel Aviv Private Parties host a Private Rooftop Party for 30 somethings
This one looks very cool: a private office building rooftop at Nahalat Binyamin 41 ( in the Rothschild Area). The party starts at 9:30pm, with tourists, locals and a high tech crowd expected, roughly aged 30 +/-. It will cost you 50 shekels, but it’s worth getting your name on the list for this one over here (because come on, how many people can you squeeze on a roof?!)