The annual Safed Klezmer Festival returns to wow the north of Israel! (original) (raw)
The annual Klezmer Festival in Safed (also known as Tzfat) returns in August!
The Klezmer Festival is an interesting festival celebrating traditional Jewish music (the joyful music typically associated with weddings and bar mitzvahs) and one that brings much of this corner of Israel to a standstill: some 200,000 people (tourists and locals) are expected to attend the 3 day event, spread over August 22-24 (2023). So yes, it might be “traditional” music, but it’s still mighty popular!
Because of the crowds expected at the Klezmer Festival, the roads to Safed will be closed from 17:00 on each of the three days, so…get there early!
Don’t miss our list of the BEST things to see & do in Israel!
Once in Safed, head to the Old City; the area round the refurbished auditorium Ma’ayan HaRadum Square is always a good place to start. This year, Safed has set a number of stages, with performances scheduled to start at around 21:00 and end way after midnight. All performances are FREE. There will also be a variety of street stalls to keep you fed and watered. For a full schedule of what’s on over the festival, click here.
If you’re planning to spend more than an evening in Safed, check out our guide to the best things to see and do in Safed.
If you’re also planning to stop overnight, take into consideration that accommodation will be difficult to find, as many hotels and guest houses in the area will be fully booked. Check out our guide to the available hotels in Safed and book NOW.
And here’s a great little clip that will give you an idea of what to expect…