Pessach in Israel is probably the biggest and most celebrated of all Jewish Holidays, and as a result, there are countless great things to check out over the holiday.
With kids off from school and kindergarten for something like 3 weeks, and with many locals taking time off from work, Pessach can be quite the extended holiday! In order to make the most of your time during Pessach, we’ve gathered ten of the very best things to see and do…and one place to avoid like the plague (well, you did ask!)…
1. Ahava Dead Sea Music Festival
The 16th Ahava Dead Sea Music Festival is the rock festival to head for over Pessach if you’re into your Israeli bands. Taking place between the 7-11 April in the Dead Sea area, some of the bands you can expect to see include: Mashina, Avitar Banai, Yehuda Poliker, Shalom Hanoch and Bary Sakharov. For more info about tickets, call *8965 or 03-6045000, or try the site: www.TKTS.co.il
2. Bird Festival, Yaffo Port
Running for two days only, from the 8-9th April (10:00 to 18:00), this great little FREE festival (taking place in warehouse 2 in the port) is great for the kids, with creative corners, stories and lots of stalls. There is also an exhibition of photos of Tel Aviv birds taken by both old and young.
3. Design Week in Holon
Holon’s amazing Design Museum has become a magnet for top international design festivals ever since its door opened a couple of years ago. From 8-11 April, the Museum will welcome 15 design editors from around the globe who will attempt to gauge what Israeli design is all about, plus there is also the Designers Plus 10 exhibition, which lasts through til May 2012.
4. Zorba the Buddha Festival, The Negev
Taking place over 10-14 April, the Zorba the Buddha Festival, down in the middle of the Negev Desert, is a festival for the more adventurous! With five days of great music, love and meditation, this is the place to come if you’re looking to explore your inner-self, you love sleeping rough, and you love trance. For more info, see the festival website.
5. Live the never ending Pessach dilemma – HaShahar or Nutella?
Join the rest of a nation as it divides itself into two camps: the ones that love local chocolate spread HaShahar on their matza bread, or those that prefer the more refined and international Nutella. You can’t say you’ve experienced Pessach in Israel until you’ve had to make a choice…and no, we’re not telling you our preferred poison…
6. Haifa International Children’s Theater Festival
Another great destination for the kids is the International Children’s Theater Festival, which takes place every year in Haifa during Passover (this year it’s spread over three days, 8-10 April). This year the theme is based on theater from around the world, including a version of Pinocchio from Spain. For ticket info, call 04-8600500 or see the official website here.
7. Arabian Nights Festival, Upper Galilee
Spread over three days, 9-12 April, the Arabian Nights Festival takes place in the town of Tuba-Zangariyye in the Upper Galilee. If you’re interested in experiencing some of the Bedouin culture, food, history and values, this little festival could be right up your street.
8. International Flower Show, Haifa
If you love your fauna, head to Hecht Park in Haifa (at the southern entrance to the city) between the 7-14 April (open from 10:00 – 22:00). A “world of flowers” awaits, spread over some 30 dunams. Some 120,000 flowers in total from around the world will be there – will you? Prices start at 65 shekels to get in.
9. Enjoy the Beach!
With April temperatures meaning spring weather that often borders on summer highs, the beach could be the perfect place to spend some time during Passover. The beaches of Tel Aviv are always inviting, but if you’re looking for something a little more exotic, how about the beach we rank as the best in Israel? Or perhaps this one, a close second and far enough away from civilization to turn it into an awesome family trip…
10. Jerusalem Ice Festival
The impressive Jerusalem Ice Festival has been getting rave reviews since it opened in March, and it will run through til the end of April. Read our full review of the Jerusalem Ice Festival here. Good for all the family, and even a first date!
And…one place to avoid during Passover, the Sea of Galilee!
Don’t get us wrong, we love the Sea of Galilee. Unfortunately, the Sea of Galilee, including all the beaches and camping grounds that are scattered round its coastline, is a magnet for the “ugly” Israeli through any Jewish holiday. So, if you fancy holding on to your sanity, and would prefer to experience the real magic of the Sea of Galilee, steer clear during Passover. Read more about why here…
Wherever you end up, Happy Passover!