For the last 20 years, the city of Haifa has hosted a celebration called the Hag Shel Hagim or "Holiday of Holidays." Although this year, the Christian (Christmas), Jewish (Chanukah), and Muslim (Ramadan) holidays were nowhere near each other, the month-long event celebrates all three and has something for everyone. There are arts and crafts for kids, free outdoor concerts, classical music at various churches, street fairs, etc.
This past Saturday, we took a walk down to the Arab Christian neighborhood (Wadi Nisnas) to take in the experience. We had been told it would be crowded, but we were completely unprepared for how many people there were. It was fantastic to see so many folks out and about enjoying the beautiful weather.
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| People filling the streets in Wadi Nisnas |
Although Chanukah is long over, there were still some sufganiyot for sale along with all kinds of other treats. Overall, maybe a little healthier than the food you would normally get a street fair in the US. We were tempted by roasted nuts, fresh juice, and falafel. There were some less healthier choices as well: candied apples, knafa, and of course, baklavah.
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| Knafa for sale |
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| Fresh squeezed juice anyone? |
I am missing Christmas a little bit, but not as much as I thought I might. I got plenty of lights and decorations in Italy and there are lots of apartments with trees in the window here as well. We got a small tree to decorate to go with the lights we have put up in the apartment. Tonight's baking adventure was gingerbread cookies and tomorrow, homemade eggnog.
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| Gingerbread cookies all iced and ready to eat! |
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