Purim Celebrations Tel Aviv 2020

Purim Celebrations Tel Aviv 2019

Purim is one of the biggest celebrations in Israel and Tel Aviv is the epicenter of the party during this two day event that spans into a long weekend of parties and festivals. Purim has become something of a mashup between Halloween and Mardi Gras, especially for those who aren’t very religious.

The Purim celebration finds its religious roots in the story of how a plot against the Jewish people was foiled. This led to a  holiday for feasting – marked by traditions such as exchanging gifts of food and drink, donating to charity, and sharing celebratory meals. Like so many cherished holidays, Purim has taken on a life of its own, and it’s celebrated by the whole nation of Israel – from religious Jews in Jerusalem to secular Tel Avivans.

Purim parties take place across Israel, filling almost every city with its street parties and their carnival atmospheres. More secular pastimes of the holiday include drinking, donning masks and costumes and engaging in general public revelry.  So visitors can get all the joys of visiting Israel (great weather, gorgeous landscapes, stunning beaches, modern cities, history everywhere) plus a fabulous nationwide costume party.

The largest of all these public celebrations is in Kikar Hamedina in Tel Aviv. It’s a day-long rave attended by young and old, families and singles, gay and straight people. And it’s a happening all over the city.

Celebrations are memorable both in Tel Aviv’s popular gay bars (like Shpagat) and at circuit events thrown by organizers like the POP Ring, who transform everyday warehouses into LGBTQ wonderlands. Save some energy for AFTER-Purim: very popular with gay party people, it usually starts around 6am on Saturday of Purim week.

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Carlton Hotel,   Royal Beach Hotel,    Brown Beach Hotel,    Hilton Hotel.

For a complete City Guide for Tel Aviv visit www.gaytelaviv4u.com