Jerusalem, Israel’s
capital, offers tourists a unique religious and spiritual experience, rich
history, tourist attractions and a calendar full of cultural events and
festivals to enrich the visiting experience. Many of the annual festivals and
events attract the participation of internationally-acclaimed stars, as they
take place against the backdrop of the ancient city walls.
More detailed information about
events in the city will be forwarded separately by IMOT-infodesk as relevant.
Here are some highlights
for the diary:
12 February – 28 September: Herod the Great exhibition at the Israel
Museum. The world’s first exhibition on the life and legacy of Herod the Great will
present 250 archaeological finds from the king’s recently discovered tomb at Herodium,
from Jericho and other related sites.
www.english.imjnet.org.il
20 February – 30 April: International
Ice Festival. One of
the world’s largest Ice Festivals arrives in Jerusalem for the second year,
featuring ice sculptures, ice skating rink, acrobatic and skating performances
on ice, a children’s ice city, ice bar and more. Jerusalem Old Station Complex.
1 March 2013: Jerusalem Marathon. The third International Jerusalem Marathon, ranked
as one of the world’s top 10 marathons by British Women’s Running
Magazine, will include three different
running options (42km, 21 km, 10 km), taking participants through Jerusalem’s
history, culture and unique and spectacular views.
www.jerusalem-marathon.com
18 - 21 March: Sounds of the Old City Music Festival. Ensembles playing diverse
musical styles from traditional Armenian to gospel music will add even more
enchantment to the alleyways and courtyards of the Old City with free musical
performances.
www.jerusalem-oldcity.org.il
21-24 April First International Symposium on Green and Accessible
Pilgrimage.
Jerusalem will host hundreds of religious and community leaders as well as
innovators from around the world who will share their experiences and best
practices for urban sustainability and accessibility in pilgrim cities.
greenpilgrimjerusalem.org/symposium2013
23 May – June 8. The Israel
Festival. A three-week spectacular of art, music, dance and
theater with Jerusalem’s top cultural venues showcasing works by artists from
all over the world, premieres of Israeli works and free street theater
performances. Now in its 52nd year!
www.israel-festival.org.il
16 May. Museum Day. In honor of Museum Day,
Jerusalem’s museums will be open free of charge, exposing tourists and visitors
to the city’s rich cultural offerings.
28-30 May. Musrara Mix Festival This multidisciplinary
event, part of a UNESCO network of cultural programs, features artists from
Israel and abroad and will take place in the Musrara neighborhood.
28-29 May. Jerusalem Innovative
Tourism Summit. The annual conference will serve as a summit of
innovation and showcase discussions about the latest ground-breaking
technologies and trends introduced by key players in the tourism world. Panels
will discuss issues such as tourism-related apps and urban tourism.
jits2013.com
5-13 June 2012: Jerusalem Festival of Light: A
breathtaking display of artistic light
creations, designed by leading local and foreign light artists, throughout the
Old City’s public and restricted areas, as well as at tourism sites.
June 2013: Formula 1
in Jerusalem. Plans are
being finalized for a Formula 1 race to pass through some of the most iconic
streets in Jerusalem’s modern city.
15 June –
31 August The Jerusalem Season of
Culture: an annual summer showcase of the
city's contemporary cultural treasures, including dance, music, poetry,
philosophy, visual art, new media, and more.
www.jerusalemseason.com
July
2013: Jerusalem Film Festival: Ten full days of screenings, honorary guests, panels
and festivities. Outdoor screenings take place at the foot of the old city
walls in Sultan’s Pool.
www.jff.org.il
4-8 August
International Festival of Puppet Theater: A festival for the
entire family, the International Festival of Puppet Theater has become a primal source of creation and inspiration in the
field of Puppet Theater in Israel. Featuring performances and artists from all over
the world.
www.traintheater.co.il/puppets_festival
6-18 August: International Arts and Crafts Fair, Khutzot
Hayotser: For over thirty years, the
Khutzot Hayotser Arts and Crafts Fair has brought together over 150 Israeli
artists and dozens more from countries all over the world.
20-23
August The Festival of Sacred Music: Israeli
and international musicians perform in venues around the city selected for
their religious or historical significance, including the Tower of David. A
multi-cultural tribute to the people who have glorified Jerusalem for
centuries.
September,
Chamber Music Festival. Held annually at the YMCA, this
festival will highlight chamber pieces by Schubert, as well as shows in
collaboration with the Israeli Opera.
September,
In The Beginning: A major
international exhibition entitled “In the Beginning” will be opened at the
Bible Lands Museum featuring a collection examining how the Bible ahs shaped
humanity for over 2,000 years.
www.blmj.org
10,17,24,31
October, The Knights Festival: A journey back in time to the heroes of the Middle Ages, including
knights, kings, princesses and troubadours, roaming the Old City alleyways. Free
street performances.
17-19
October. Houses From Within: Tourists and visitors are invited to explore generally private spaces
such as homes and gardens during this one weekend.
31 October -9 November: International Oud Festival. The Jerusalem International
Oud Festival presents the great Arab musical tradition and cultures influenced
by it, throughout the Middle East and Central Asia www.confederationhouse.org/en/festival/international-oud-festival
December: Hot Winter, Long
Nights: Hamshushalayim, as it is known in Jerusalem,
takes place every long weekend in December (Thursday through Saturday),
offering an array of events at cultural institutions in the city with many
museums and tourist sites open free of charge, night tours, concerts, special
deals in restaurants and more.
December, Jerusalem Design Week: The 3rd annual
Jerusalem Design Week will feature a design conference and an exhibit at the
Contemporary Art Center of emerging design talent.
General information about
events in the city, updated nearer the time, can be found at
www.itraveljerusalem.com .