Jerusalem photos

‘Jerusalem Knights’ First Night

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Who could imagine that the Crusades could be so much fun?

Actors and musicians were dressed in medieval costumes.

The weather was perfect Thursday evening, October 7 in the Old City.

People had gathered in the plaza near Jaffa Gate, the unimaginable happened–

the Jerusalem Knights program started ten minutes early.

A map of 21 street performances in the Christian Quarter

was projected on a large screen near Jaffa Gate.

Visitors received a paper copy of the map with explanations in Hebrew and English.

The first performance, the Royal Reception, took place outside the walls

and just inside the walls, The Leper, was a scary sight.

The Greek Muse, hard to believe she was a real person.

It was hard to see the Fire Knight with such a large crowd around him.

The Wishing Fountain was easy to photograph, as like the Muse, she did not move.

In the Slave Market, even the slaves seemed to be having a good time.

Musicians performed in many locations along the route.

While some of the market was open,

near the end of the route, most of the shops were closed,

providing a perfect setting for peddlers

beggars,

and be careful.. more peddlers and beggars.

At the end, Muristan Square was filled with color and dancers.

Jerusalem Knights  was held October 7, 14, 21 & 28.

The Jerusalem Development Authority, along with a list of other groups,

is sponsoring the performances;  there is no charge.

It takes about an hour to walk the route.

It is not good for the handicapped or baby strollers.

Jerusalem Parade Day

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While many people went North or overseas for the holiday week,

  on Wednesday, September 28, Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, filled with thousands of people.

Large crowds enjoyed the children’s entertainment,

as groups waited for hours in the heat to march in the Jerusalem Parade.

  Banners and flags were everywhere.

The  park was a busy place,

and so was the parade route, with enthusiastic crowds waving flags and singing.

Firetrucks with balloons

and police dogs were among the first of many service and military groups that led the parade.

 The new light rail train was on display on Jaffa Street, in contrast to

modes of transportation from old

and even older eras.

International groups

from Australia to

 the United States,

from Papua New Guinea

and Russia,

Thailand

and Taiwan, were among those that marched.

Many groups were singing, haveinu shalom aleichem,  bringing greetings of peace,

  women from the Philippines were dancing.

After groups with colorful flags and I Love Israel tee shirts,

still many more were waiting in the park to join the parade.

There was extra security and roads were closed,

but there was more than one way

to get around.

Despite the oppressive heat, the positive energy and party atmosphere was impressive.

 Sukkot celebrations in Jerusalem returned to the city center,

 but as usual, the resulting massive traffic tie-ups were the topic of conversation for days.

Festival Time

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Kids are still on their long summer vacation,

most summer camps are over, and it is hot.

During the month of August,

parents have to find a way to entertain their children.

  It is festival time. 

In the center of Jerusalem, on Shamai Street, the Friday afternoon happening

was hard to find.

The second week we did find live music

and a street entertainer.

But to be fair,

Funkenstein was happening around the corner at the same time.

The first week of the Children’s Story festival held in the Liberty Bell Park

did not have the usual large crowds of young children.

 

It could be that it is just too hot outside and

the children’s movie festival will draw larger crowds.

Even in the heat, the street actors are performing.

Located in the area just outside the walls of the Old City,

is Khutsot Hayotser, the International Arts & Crafts Festival,

an annual summer entertainment highlight. 

 It is costly compared to other events,

 but there are many activities and it is popular with families.

Before the opening, local Israeli artists were busy getting ready.

They count on this annual event to draw visitors to their often empty lane,

which is not far from the Jaffa Gate.

The set up for this massive event

 and its security involves hundreds of people.

There are many musical and dance performances throughout the park area

 and exhibits with sales displays 

from 35 countries.

 Every night a different  musical performance is featured

in the Sultan’s Pool amphitheater,

with its huge stage

and seating stands.

 This is the 35th year of Khutsot Hayotser, 

which runs from August 2 to August 14.

Enough family fun and summer culture?  

 The beer festival is coming up next!