Expert recommendations of the top events—with tips on how to best experience these celebrations.
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Easter
March-April. Throngs of Christian pilgrims—Western denominations first, followed by Orthodox Christians one to two weeks later—descend upon the city for Holy Week to commemorate the events of Jesus’ final days. Begins Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter) on the Mount of Olives; includes visits to the supposed Upper Room (site of the Last Supper and also known as the Cenacle or Coenaculum) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (believed to be on the site where Jesus was crucified and buried). On Thursday, fervent followers stage a cross-carrying procession along Via Dolorosa retracing the stations of the cross.
Jerusalem March
September-October. Traditional Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkoth, attracts 30,000 Israeli and international participants for all-day trek passing by Jerusalem’s major historic and religious sites. Biblical-based tour culminates with a huge afternoon parade. Registration required. tel. +972 2 629 8047. http://tour.jerusalem.muni.il
Israel Festival
May-June. Two-week, annual performing-arts festival with local and acclaimed international troupes; classical and acoustic music, theater, dance. Venues throughout the city; includes free street performances, children’s shows, and evening jazz. tel. +972 (0)2 566 3198. www.israel-festival.org.il
Jerusalem Film Festival
July. International, two-week film festival; 300 screenings of feature films, documentaries, television dramas, and Israeli titles. Jewish Experience category focuses on Jewish identity and history. Tip: See the open-air screenings at the Sultan’s Pool amphitheater. www.jff.org.il
Khutzot Hayotzer International Arts and Crafts Fair
August. International arts and crafts fair held ten consecutive evenings just outside the walls of the Old City. Live music, wine, food, more than 150 artisans displaying crafts for sale, and numerous multicultural pavilions including a Tibetan Buddhist stupa(spiritual monument) and an Inca palace. tel. +972 2 5314600 http://tour.jerusalem.muni.il
Jerusalem International Book Fair
February. Biennial international trade show hosting more than 1,200 publishers from around the world; more than 100,000 titles on display; open to the public. Includes exhibits, education programs, and awarding of the prestigious Jerusalem Prize to a writer whose work promotes the concept of the "freedom of the individual in society.” www.jerusalembookfair.com
