There are many events, festivals and holidays in Tel Aviv during the merry month of May.  From the documentary film festival at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque, through a bonfire holiday, to the Israel Festival, Tel Aviv has plenty in store for visitors

Holocaust Remembrance Day

2 May 2011

Memorial Day

9 May 2011

Independence Day

10 May 2011
This year Israel is celebrating a whooping 62 years of independence since the founding of the state, and many colourful events are planned to take place across the country (further details towards May).

As in any other country, in Israel too there is the Independence Day drill – plenty of fireworks, performances and shows, and hundreds of children and teenagers running about the streets with plastic hammers and an assortment of party sprays, and of course a proud douse of patriotism.  Indeed a joyful and quite chaotic event.

For you party people, expect a wide variety of clubbing and drinking events all around (on the evening of the 2nd).  For others, expect a joyful and loud experience on the streets and beware of the kids with the hammers - some of them only look sweet!  All and all it's a fun event.  On the day itself a Barbeque, or Al-haesh as it called in Hebrew, is a must event.  People populate any spare piece of grass and start to cook their meats with family and friends.

I clear symbol of this event is the many flags of Israel hanging out of peoples car windows – some have one on each window!

Lag Baomer

22 May 2011
One of Israel's favorite holidays! A bonfire holiday! To remember Bar-Cochva, one of the heroes in the long history of Israel, everybody sets out and lights up a bonfire singing songs, sticking in potatoes to roast and marshmallows on sticks.  It is indeed a children and family event, so unless you are within this category the most you might notice of the holiday is a strong smell of smoke everywhere around – so don't be alarmed!  Naturally it's not a favorite holiday in the fire department, but they are well prepared for this annual event.

Houses from Within

7-8 May 2010

Houses From Within" is one of many “OpenHouse" events that take place in cities around the world.

One weekend a year, Tel Aviv opens up private spaces – designer lofts, urban villas, unique synagogues, architecturally significant public buildings, curious construction sites, plazas and gardens. During the event weekend, the public can visit, explore and discuss these sites. Many people have contributed in order to allow us all to discover Tel Aviv from within during this weekend, including architects, developers, property owners, institutional administrators and many others who live and breathe the city, including some who devote their time to trying to improve it.

Click here for more detailed info

Jerusalem Day

12 May 2010
This is a day on which you can spot a parade in Jerusalem that blocks up the whole city.  A few years back Jerusalem celebrated 3,000 years since the city was first built, quite amazing.  Outside Jerusalem it is simply a day of "Jerusalem awareness"; people mention the city, play songs on the radio which are relevant to the city and so on, but not much more than that.  In Jerusalem you can enjoy the parade mentioned, which is largely populated by eager tourists waving little flags and other events and attractions which main theme is this intriguing city which has played (and continues to play) such a central role in the history of the world for over 3,000 years now!

Doc Aviv Festival at the Cinematheque

A Film Festival and Pride Festival in Eilat

May 2011
The main events of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community are taking place in Eilat this year alongside the city's International Film Festival. The main events include a parade crossing  Eilat's boulevards, a selection of parties every day, dinners, beach parties and a variety of films. In honour of this lively event, tourist agencies will be offer special holiday packages that include hotels and entrance to parties.

For further information about the film festival:  http://www.eilatfilmfest.com/index_eng.php
For further information about the Pride LGBT Festival: http://www.pride.org.il/publish/article_1191.asp

The Israel Festival

May 2011
A selection of performances from all over the world in the different fields of art, are shown throughout the country in a variety of locations.  Many celebrated Israeli and International art performances are brought to Israel to appear in The Jerusalem Theatre, Suzanne Dellal Center or the beautiful Amphitheatre in Caesarea.   The performances are very diverse, offering anything from a grand Chinese opera to a small experimental theatre show from Paris.
For further information try: http://www.israel-festival.org.il/