culture

Old Tractor Parade

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On Monday, May 30, 2011,

main streets in Jerusalem were closed to all vehicles,

except the old tractors on parade

and some special bikers.

Groups of young people gathered

in Gan Ha’atzmaut, Independence Park.

Thousands of people

 dressed in blue and white, came together,

many from kibbutzim and moshavim

throughout the country to take part in this annual

pre-Yom Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day, event.

As last year, Noam Shalit was one of the speakers

and got most of the media attention,

on Gilad Shalit’s 1800 day of captivity.

Flags and marchers accompanied tractors as they went from Agron Street

to King George Street,

where a few spectators watched from above

and below as the old pieces of farm equipment led off the parade.

Thousands of people filled King George Street

with music

and blue and white Israeli flags.

Marchers and tractors outnumbered spectators as the route turned

and filled Bezalel Street

on the way to Gan Sacher, Sacher Park,

where a huge stage was ready for a night-time concert.

Thousands came early to get a good spot on the grass.

Tens of thousands of people,

 hours of family fun,

ending with a fire works display,

and

NO violence… so it was not news

Happy. Jerusalem Day!

More photos on The Real Jerusalem Streets Facebook page.

‘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.