CITYbites: Night festivities in Mahane Yehuda Market

Musicians, poets, artists, players and peddlers meet up for an unforgettable cultural night at the 'Balabasta' festival in Jerusalem.

By ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAM
Balabasta festival in Jerusalem (photo credit: ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAM)
Balabasta festival in Jerusalem
(photo credit: ITRAVELJERUSALEM TEAM)
Every Monday evening throughout July, Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem transforms from a bustling marketplace into a vibrant cosmopolitan where musicians, poets, artists, players and peddlers meet up for an unforgettable cultural night. The (JSOC) is sponsoring the Balabasta event this year, after its first successful run in 2010. Dedicated to showcasing Jerusalem's contemporary cultures, the JSOC spotlights the city's flourishing art scene and cultural events in the summer months, from mid-May through the end of July. Come on down to Mahane Yehuda Market where the Balabasta festivities start at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 11:00 p.m. As you walk through the market, you can take in live performances, arts, culture, and entertaining shows waiting for you at every corner and alley, not to mention the wafting scents of delicious and authentic food that will give you a real taste for Jerusalem. 
This year, some exciting new projects have been added to the Balabasta event program, including: "Can't live with or with you" – an exhibition of portraits in motion of the market people. "Blooming balconies" is another inspiring project that transformed a courtyard used for parking and unloading merchandise into a beautiful garden. Balabasta is welcoming article Adam Yachin after his widely successful reception last year to re-create a larger-than-life experience with "Giant Puppets."  There will also be a delightful lineup of rooftop concerts and bands. Each Balabasta event will have two English-speaking tours. Entry to the Balabasta event is free, and fun for the entire family. Heavy traffic can be expected during the event in the surrounding area on the following streets: Aggrippas, Kiach, Ha'armonim and Beit Ya'acov. It is highly recommended to use public transportation.
 
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