Probably the funnest parties in Israel are Purim parties (if you don’t know what Purim is all about, read this). They’re also the easiest and most legit party to get utterly drunk at (oh yes, and watching Israelis get drunk on one beer is also quite fun!). If I’m not mistaken, I do believe it’s a sin for Jews not to imbibe some of the amber nectar at Purim. And as I hate sinning…
So yes, the drink – and the fancy dress costumes – surely do floweth at Purim. And surprise, surprise, Purim is perhaps the only Jewish holiday that doesn’t really revolve around a heavily-laden dinner table. Though there are plenty of Oznay Haman (Haman’s Ears), a great little triangular-shaped cookie typically filled with chocolate or poppy seeds…
Lots of Israelis love getting dressed up for Purim, so if over Thursday/Friday/Saturday you see some strange looking fellas with fake boobs and blond wigs, don’t be alarmed (it’s either that or you’ve gotten lost at the seedier end of Allenby Street in Tel Aviv).
There’ll be plenty of great parties and raves all over the place, but if you’re really into your dressing up and chilling out, here are four parties in Tel Aviv that might just tickle your fancy:
1. Thursday (March 17th) – the Zombie Walk in Tel Aviv. Oh yes, this is your chance to slump and lurch like a zombie (or if you’re like me, you could just pretend you’ve woken up at 4am to a screaming infant). The walk kicks off at the corner of Rothschild and Herzl in Tel Aviv at 22:30, and continues its merry way, in search of blood, and more likely alcohol, on a soon-to-be-publicized route. Free for all zombies. Click here for more info (in Hebrew).
2. Thursday (17th March) – the Mad Men Purim Theme Party at Eliphelet 26, Tel Aviv. If you’re into the music, design and costumes of the Mad Men TV series, this is your place! And if any of you are going as Christina Hendricks, we need pictorial evidence here at igoogledisrael…Entrance fee of 50 shekels. Click here for more info (in Hebrew).
3. Thursday (17th March) – the Silent Purim Rave at 11 Amiad Street in Yafo, next to the Flea Market. A party the noise environmentalists among you will be heading for, this one is a headphone party where everyone gets to rave with their own headset (check this clip out for an idea of what a silent rave is all about). Looks a bit strange from the sidelines, but sup a beer and stick on a funny hat, and who cares? Free entrance, though ID needed for deposit on the headset. Click here for more info (in Hebrew).
4. Friday (18th March) – the Tel Aviv Street Party. More of an after-party if you like, with the previous night having an impact on many. Probably a good idea that it doesn’t start until noon, though possibly early for some. Head on over to Shaul HaMelech Street and the Tel Aviv Museum area for some cracking vibes. Free entrance. Click here for more info (in Hebrew).