Jerusalem Winter Nights of Noise

Jerusalem, Israel, winter nights are long and the temperatures are low.

Street in Jerusalem Israel with view of Mamilla Hotel in distance

The old narrow streets can be dark, cold, and quiet.

To bring people to the city streets on winter nights, a street festival שאון חורף – Shaon Horef, or Winter Noise was started over seven years ago.

Shaon Horef - Winter Noise Jerusalem Israel Monday nights in February

Shaon Horef  is held in a different location each Monday night in February.

The free cultural festival features varied and often “out of the box” entertainment.

Winter Noise street festival

On February 11, Ben Shetach and Shlomzion Streets were featured.

Each week maps and information of the approximately twenty locations are available in Hebrew, English and Arabic.

Winter Noise festival has female opera singer in a shop at night in Jerusalem

Music and bands perform in multiple locations. An opera singer was singing in this shop.

Art for sale at festival in jerusalem at night in winter

Art was on sale at a market set up along Ben Shetach Street.

Actors and crowd at Winter Noise Festival in Jerusalem

Actors in costume arrived for street performances.

Actors in Winter Noise festival in Jerusalem

At least I assumed they were entertainers, and she was not really the Iranian Ambassador from LA.

Man warming his hands at night during Jerusalem Winter Noise Festival

There were heaters to warm your hands, however, everyone was not outside in the cold.

Baking demonstration for Winter Noise Festival in Jerusalem Israel

This group who preregistered enjoyed a baking demonstration with special breads.

Winter Noise festival in Jerusalem on Ben Sira Street

I went early to get photos before the crowds came to party until the sound curfew at 11:00 pm.

Scene near Jaffa Gate at night

February 18, Shaon Horef  moved to a new location, the Old City at Jaffa Gate.

Shaon Horef Winter Noise Festival projection on Tower of David wall

The light projection on the Tower of David wall is called, ” The Tree of Life.”

It was inspired by Armenian ceramics, and the animation was by Yavin Ben Reshef.

Young couple with child watching in Old City Jerusalem for Winter Noise festival

Inside Jaffa Gate musical performances attracted visitors of all ages.

Jerusalem Israel Old City street night festival Shaon Horef Winter Noise

“Sounds from the Box” a street singer and a magical music box that plays French chansons was outside Jacob’s Pizza, near the Latin Patriarchate.

Winter Noise Festival music inside Tower of David hall Jerusalem

Inside the Tower of David, several venues were readied for multiple musical performances to last all night long. For this Shaon Horef, an after-party was to start at 11:00 pm!

Winter Noise February Monday night street festival in Old City Jerusalem

Of the unusual off the main street events were those in this museum in the Christian Quarter.

Inside Old City Museum for street festival Shaon Horef

A workshop in”slang in sign language” in Hebrew and Arabic was all set up and ready to go.

With eighteen locations on the program, there was no time to stop and sit. I went to see what was happening on the streets.

Woman performer at Shaon Horef Winter Noise Jerusalem street festival

This street performer outside the Tower of David was getting ready and trying to stay warm.

Painting for Jerusalem street festival Winter Noise near Jaffa Gate

This week everyone could be an artist and were invited to paint.

Old City Jerusalem view of Tower of David from Christian Quarter

These festivals provide an opportunity to see Jerusalem streets from different angles and perspectives. Do you recognize the entrance to the Tower of David in this photo?

jerusalem Israel Old City near Jaffa Gate two actors

Not everyone wanted their photo taken! Not really. These actors were actually inviting people get in their act and sit at their table which was set up by Jaffa Gate.

Shaon Horef in video projection on wall of Tower of David in Jerusalem Israel

Shaon Horef  was inside the walls of the Old City near Jaffa Gate.

Jerusalem Israel old city walls at night

I think the area outside is lovely to photograph any night.

I am ending with a couple of short videos, as music is an important aspect of Shaon Horef.

From week #2 at Shlomziyon HaMalka and Ben Shetach Streets.

From week #3 at Jaffa Gate, the light projection with Armenian theme.

For the last Monday in February, Shaon Horef  moves to Talpiot and HaUman Street.

Fifteen locations are on the map. Winter Noise, with an art market, loud music and entertainment, is for all those brave enough to venture out on the cold Jerusalem streets.

Winter Noise souvenir bag

I won a Facebook contest and got this Shaon Horef  bag.

I do not remember the last time I entered a contest and won anything.

I am one of thirty people who won this prize, so look for us out there on the Jerusalem streets.

 

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