A holiday full of cheer and celebration, Purim in Tel Aviv is observed on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Adar. This year, Purim takes place on March 20th. It's a wonderful holiday with costumes, music, and parades in the streets, and well worth exploring during your trip.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Purim, the holiday celebrates the Jews' salvation from the evil plan of Haman. Advisor to King Ahasuerus, Haman wanted to kill the Jews out of revenge for Mordecai's alleged act of insubordination. Fearful for their lives, the Jews fasted and prayed for three days. Esther (Mordecai's cousin and the king's wife) pleaded with Ahasuerus to save her people, and he agreed. Haman was sentenced to death, and the Jews were free from harm.

An incredibly festive holiday, Purim consists of carnivals, reading the book of Esther, feasting, and drinking. The night before Purim, Jews abstain from eating and drinking in spirit of Esther and the Jews' fasting prior to her visit to the king. Costumes are another Purim custom—those celebrating may choose to dress up like the Biblical figures Esther, Mordecai, King Ahashverosh, or Haman, or may choose to go as something else entirely.

During Purim, Jews traditionally send charitable gifts to others that include food and beverages. Hamentaschen is a traditional—and delicious—Purim pastry. To make hamentaschen, a spoonful of preserves is spread onto dough consisting of orange juice butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder; then, the dough is folded into a triangle shape around the preserves and baked in the oven.

If you're observing Purim in Tel Aviv, you should definitely go to the parade right here in the city. Expect vibrant costumes, music, and performers on the streets. The celebration continues into the night at Hayarkon Park, a large park in Tel Aviv.

If you haven't booked a hotel room yet, The Hilton Tel Aviv and the Cinema Hotel have central locations that will be close to the action.

Also, if you're going to be in Tel Aviv for this Jewish holiday, you may want to make sure you're familiar with Jewish customs prior to your visit. Bilui Naim! (Have a good time!)