Boombamela

Boombamela 2005 Logo

Boombamela is a former Shanti/ New Age and currently a Mainstream festival held annually on Chol HaMoed Pesach (Intermediate Days of Passover) in Israel since 1999, described by its organisers as "a place for meeting, experiencing, crossing borders and transcending social limitations through music, creation, and connection with nature."

The festival is located on the sandy beach of Hof Nitzanim, between Ashdod and Ashkelon, about as far from anything as anything can be in crowded Israel.

Over the years, the festival has risen in popularity and prominence and is now perhaps the most famous of Israel's festivals (challenged only by Tel Aviv's summer Love Parade). The seventh Boombamela, in 2005, attracted 36,000 visitors - the third highest, after 2004's 41,000 and 2003's 37,500. More and more foreigners have taken note of the festival, and a visitor will often hear various other tongues being spoken beside Hebrew.

The inspiration for the festival is the Hindu festival of Kumbh Mela.

In 2007, Boombamela was held on April 5th, 6th and 7th.

Boom at the Mela

The festival grounds, sprawling over hundreds of dunam, are divided into villages (such as the spiritual village, where people may rest in a tent and listen to the teachings of Indian Gurus) and areas (for example, the performance area or the camping area), and there are also restaurants, shops and bathroom and shower facilities.

The grounds spill right onto the Mediterranean beach. There is a sequestered nudist beach and a family beach, which are not adjacent.

For socialising (or 'hanging out', "sutul"), there are many chai (tea) shops, where chai is sold and pillows for sitting provided.

There are organized bus services from all over Israel to Tel Aviv specially, and from there, organized bus rides to Hof Nitzanim.

The festival features many performing bands on several sound stages, during the day as well the night, and dance clubs which operate around the clock. A great variety of music genres can be heard at the festival, including reggae, trance, hip-hop, Indian Ragas, and rock.

For those looking to enjoy Passover or Shabbat while attending the festival, kosher for Passover food is available and prayer services are held at either of two locations. The first being Ohel Ahava V'Teffila (Tent of Love and Prayer) located in the Neo-Hippy Chassidic Religious Camp. The other, located officially outside of the main grounds, being the Chabad Tent.


External links

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